IP 

ill 



III 



I! 



i llili 



ill 



iii 





Class J^Kl 

Book. A 5^d K ,. 



w «fc«2."\Vj-fl&r 




ciass £ *y\ 

Book. A5^AJ<_ 



MAPOFTHE BATTLEFIELD OF GETTYSBURG 

1 




THE MAP OF THE BATT^'ELD. 

Louncl by Mr. M,]ltr, Cu.lo.linn of Jen*** 1 ' "™* 



The vast field cove" 25 square miles, every pan of 1 c af except „ 

town. The picture shows the ground as it now appears with the « „,n,e„i „„„„„»,' "' la '"™ 1 ' 1 - which lies ., miles east of the 

; 1 Generals who had armies in the respec- 
■••mmenccd early July r, ,863. 



liuford Av 




Battlefield Monument, 153d Regiment. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment 

Pennsylvania Volunteers Infantry 
Which was Recruited in Northampton County, Pa. 

1862-1863 



Written by 

Rev. W. R. Kiefer, Historian 

(One of the Musicians) 



Assisted by 

Newton H. Mack 

Secretary of the Regimental Association 



Easton, Pennsylvania 
1909 



Press of 

The Chemical Publishing Cc 

Easton, Pa. 






CREDIT 



Many of the pictures in the volume are from negatives loaned 
by Ethan Allen Weaver, son of Sergeant Wm. Henry Weaver 
of Co. A. The electros bearing the imprint of the Century 
Company are from "Battle and Leaders" published by them. 
Others by the Freedman's Aid Society of the M. E. Church. 
Geo. W. West, printer, of Easton, loaned us several cuts ; Bush 
and Bull furnished the cut of the Soldiers' Monument in Easton. 
Many others are from photos furnished by Newton H. Mack 
from his gallery. 

Much valuable assistance was rendered by General Frank 
Reeder of Easton. 

D. OF D. 

DEC 30 1203 



Dedicated 



Relatives 



Comrades 



Command 



RESOLUTIONS 

Resolutions of the Association of the One Hundred and 
Fifty-third Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry: 

At a Special meeting of the Association of the 153d Regi- 
ment the following business was transacted : 

The Secretary called the meeting to order, and stated the 
object of the meeting. 

To take into consideration the advisability of having a com- 
plete History of our regiment, the 153d, written and published. 
Where upon the following resolution was offered : 

RESOLVED, — 1. That it is the sense of this meeting of the members 
of the organization of the 153d Regiment that we should have a more 
complete history than has yet been published. 

2. That having been duly elected as the Executive Committee of the 
regiment, at its last reunion, June 5, 1907, and vested with the right to 
select the time and place of the next reunion, we would call an early 
meeting of the survivors of the regiment, and name June 6, 1908, as the 
time and Nazareth as the place, at which meeting we will ask for the 
authorization of the publication of the contemplated history. 

3. As the State of Pennsylvania has made a special appropriation for 
the purchase of 400 volumes of such histories as may be satisfactorily 
written by Pennsylvania regiments, we recommend that our organiza- 
tion avail itself of the offer of the Commonwealth at the earliest practi- 
cable moment. 

4. As Comrade Rev. W. R. Kiefer has by considerable labor, and 
correspondence, procured a large amount of material relative to our his- 
tory, we recommend him as historian of the work and gratefully commend 
his voluntary research and will give him our assistance in the further 
prosecution of the work, the matter of compensation to be left to the 
Society in June, 1908. Approved. NOAH DIETRICH, President. 

NEWTON H. MACK, Secretary. 
Easton, Pa., Jan. 24, 1909. 

At a meeting of the publishing Committee in Easton, Jan- 
uary 9, 1909, the following resolution was passed: 

RESOLVED, That the manuscript copy of the history of the 153d 
Regiment, Penna. Volunteer Infantry, be submitted to the State Com- 
mission for its examination with the view to its publication in book form, 
in pursuance of the resolution of the Regimental Association dated June, 
1908. NEWTON H. MACK, Secretary. 

Easton, Pa., June 24, 1909. 
W. R. KIEFER, Chairman. 
GEO. W. RHOAD. 
WM. F. RADER. 




Corporal Noah Dietrich, Co. E.. Pres. Regimental Association. 



CONTENTS 



Inceptive Chapter I 

Governor Curtin's Proclamation 6 

Patriotism of Keystone State 8 

Call to Arms — Bugle 1 1 

Itinerary of the Regiment 13 

Distinguished 153d Regiment 19 

The Activities of Friday, 1st 20 

Chancellorsville Battle 24 

Location of Eleventh Corps 2j 

Chancellorsville — Events of 28 

Chancellorsville Battlefield 29 

Hooker's Feint 31 

The Fortified Rappahannock 33 

Hooker's General Orders No. 49 34 

What Hooker Found 35 

The Enemy's Story 42 

The Wounding of Jackson 45 

Account of Capt. Owen Rice 46 

Causes of Hooker's Defeat 47 

Extract: O. O. Howard 49 

Why Lee Did Not Pursue 53 

Three Days Battle of Gettysburg 55 

Gettysburg — The First Day 72 

Defenses on Cemetery Hill 79 

That Memorable Second Day 85 

Cemetery Hill, the Great Center 88 

Honor to Whom Honor is Due 90 

The Operations of the Third Day .... 100 

Observations by the Historian 107 

Following Lee's Retreat 108 

Welcome Home — Reception 109 

Colonel von Gilsa's Address m 

The Regimental Flag 112 

Cemetery Hill 113 

Generals' Testimonials 116 

Narratives of the Comrades 122 

Colonel Charles A. Glanz 123 

Lieutenant Colonel Dachrodt 126 

Letter from Major Frueauff 127 

Account of Dr. Stout 131 

Dr. J. P. K. Kohler 133 

Quartermaster Knowles 134 

Chaplain P. W. Melick 134 

Captain Rice and Lieut. Shaum 137 

Lieutenant Clyde Millar 139 

Comrade Kiefer, Co. A 144 

Sergeant Wm. M. Shultz 144 



Page , Page 

Sergeant Wm. Henry Weaver 146 

J. L. Boerstler, Co. A 158 

Geo. Beers and Peter Herman 159 

Rev. Geo. W. Roth, Co. C 161 

Isaac E. Smith, Co. K 163 

Comrade Theo. Keller 164 

Rev. Anthony Straub 165 

Edward Young 167 

David Moll and Henry A. Miller .... 168 

Comrades Hillpot and Theo. Miller.... 170 

Captain Howell, Co. D 171 

Letter from David Knauss 172 

Comrade Strickland 174 

Levi F. Walters, Co. E 176 

Lieutenant Beaver 182 

Sergeant Lantz 183 

Sergts. E. J. Kiefer, Transue and 

Romig 184 

Geo. King, Co. F 

W. H. Marsteller, Co. F 

Wm. G. Tomer and John Kressler.. 
Reuben Transue, Wm. H. Taylor . . 
A. J. Benner and Men of Co. F . . 

Experience of Comrade Ruch 192 

The Badge of Welcome Home 228 

Capt. Howard J. Reeder 230 

Reminiscence — Lt. Moore 230 

Items — Rev. Stryker Wallace 238 

The Story of Wm. Armstrong 240 

Comrade Hess, by Wallace 242 

Theodore Hester 243 

Capt. Young and Lt. Crawford 244 

Letter — Reuben Stotz 24s 

Recollections — L. B. Clewell 246 

Captain Johnson 248 

Lieutenant Dutott 249 

L. Fraunfelter and John Rush 250 

Brief Narratives by the Boys 256 

Thomas Quinn — The Band 258 

Thoughts on Memorial Day 258 

A Patriot's Monument 260 

Dedication of Monument 263 

Wm. Beidelman's Address 265 

Other Soldiers of the County 267 

The Roster v... 271 

The Editor's (Author's) Farewell .... 352 



186 
187 



190 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Frontispiece — Battlefield Monument 

Corporal Noah Dietrich iv 

Rev. W. R. Kiefer, Historian i 

Abraham Lincoln 8 

Winter Quarters of 153d Regt 16 

Major-General Joseph Hooker 32 

General Meade 56 

General Reynolds 64 

General Howard 72 

General Slocum 74 

Major-General Franz Sigel 76 

Brevet Maj.-Gen. Adelbert Ames .... 76 

Maj.-Gen. Carl Schurz 76 

General Leopold von Gilsa 80 

General Hancock 9 

The Jennie Wade Home 104 

List of Drummer Boys 1 

Colonel Chas. Glanz 123 

Lit. Colonel Jacob Dachrodt 126 

Chaplain Philip W. Melick 128 

Major John F. Frueauff 128 

Adjutant Henry Evans u8 

Dr. Abraham Stout, Asst. Surg 131 

Dr. Henry K. Neff, Chief Surg. ... 131 

Dr. John P. K. Kohler, Asst. Surg.. 131 

Sergt. Maj. George G. Beam 134 

Philip D. Wirebach, Quart. Sergt... 134 

Quartermaster S. H. Knowles 134 

Captain Owen Rice, Co. A 137 

2d Lieut. Clyde Millar, Co. A 137 

1st Lieut. Benj. F. Shaum, Co. A.... 137 

Band Leader Eugene Walter 140 

Robt. H. Wilson, Musician, Co. A.... 140 

Corporal Valentine Heller, Co. A . . 140 

Sergeant Win, M. Schultz, Co. A.. 144 

Sergeant Wm. M. Schultz — wartime.. 144 

Sergeant Wm. H. Weaver, Co. A.... 146 

Officers of the 153d Regiment 152 

Captain Joseph A. Frey, Co. B 16c 



Page Page 

Lieut. Joseph T. Wilt, Co. B 160 

Sergeant David Moll, Co. B 168 

Henry Kuester, Co. B 168 

Captain Theo. H. Howell, Co. D 171 

Lieutenant Wm. H. Houser, Co. D . . 171 

David Knauss, Co. D 172 

George Siegfried, Co. D 172 

Lieutenant Wm. H. Beaver, Co. D.. 175 
Curtis V. Strickland, Musician, Co. D 175 

Captain John P. Ricker, Co. E 176 

Lieutenant Paul Bachschmid, Co. E . . 176 
Captain Lucius Q. Stout, Co. F .... 180 

Lieut. Henry Barnes, Co. F 180 

Lieut. Wm. Beidelman, Co. F 180 

Sergeant Edward J. Kiefer, Co. F ... 184 

Chas. M. Shively, Co. F 184 

Wm. H. Taylor, Co. F 184 

Abraham J. Benner, Co. F 188 

Philip R. Halpin, Co. F 188 

John Kressler, Co. F 188 

Reuben F. Ruch, Co. F 192 

Captain Henry J. Oerter, Co. C 200 

Lieut. Benj. F. Boyer, Co. C 200 

Lieut. Geo. H. Fritchman, Co. K .... 204 

Lieut. Laurence Dutott, Co. K 204 

Captain Howard J. Reeder, Co. G . . 230 

Lieut. Jonathan Moore, Co. G 230 

Lieut. Wm. Simmers, Co. G 243 

Theo. Hester, Co. G 243 

Captain George H. Young, Co. H . . 244 

Lieut. George W. Walter, Co. H 244 

Captain Joseph S. Myers, Co. I 246 

Lieut. Reuben J. Stotz, Co. I 24 6 

Lieut. Wm. H. Crawford, M. D., Co. I 246 

Captain Isaac Buzzard, Co. K 248 

Captain Isaac L. Johnson, Co. K 248 

The National Cemetery, Gettysburg.. 258 
Xewton H. Mack, Musician, Co. K.. 272 



INTRODUCTION 



The task of writing- the history of a regiment after the ex- 
piration of more than forty years from the time of its muster- 
out is far greater than many at first thought would imagine. 
Many incidents of an instructive and entertaining nature must 
of necessity be omitted, owing to the death of those who could 
have vouched for the accuracy of the same. 

In the preparation of the present work the historian labored 
under many disadvantages ; at no time, however, did he manifest 
discouragement, but faithfully and diligently toiled on deter- 
mined to do his best. From the scant authentic material to 
which he had access he has submitted to the survivors of the 
regiment and their descendants a most truthful and valuable 
history of the organization from the time of its formation to the 
day of its muster-out, and justly deserves the, thanks of all 
its members. 

WM. M. SHULTZ. 



Officers of the Regimental Association 



President — Noah Dietrich. 

Vice President — Geo. W. Rhoad. 

Secretary and Treasurer — Newton H. Mack. 



Advisory Board 

Lieutenant Colonel — Jacob Dachrodt.* 

Sergeant — Wm. F. Rader. 

First Lieutenant — Wm. H. Crawford, M. D. 



Publishing Committee 

APPOINTED JUNE 6, I908. 

Rev. Wm. R. Kiefer, Chairman. 

George W. Rhoad. 

Wieeiam F. Rader. 

Newton H. Mack, Secretary and Treasurer. 

* Col. Dachrodt died June 4, 1909. 




Rev. W. R. Kiefer, Historian. 




Inceptive Chapter- 

HE historian of the regiment approaches the delightful 
task of writing up the deeds of the soldiers of the 
One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment with peculiar 
pride, and yet with feelings of sadness since the 
worthiness of the comrades whose service he is to 
record, and the honorable and heroic service they rendered their 
country, deserve so much more commendation than he is com- 
petent to bestow. 

The service of our men was short: — but ten months, but in 
some respects a more unique career was not found in the annals 
of the Federal troops of the war. Though the term of enlist- 
ment was under the call for nine months, the exigencies at the 
time for the muster-out having come while on the road to the 
battle field of Gettysburg, when the safety of our nation was 
threatened, they cheerfully consented to remain and help decide 
the destiny of our army and State. 

Our regiment enlisted with those who shared the highest 
honor of the nation in her defense. They came on the scene at 
the time of the Proclamation of Lincoln read before the Cabinet, 
on the 22d day of September, 1862, and saw Emancipation be- 
come a fact on the 1st of January, 1863. Standing in line of 
duty they obeyed the most immortal moral edict known to any 
nation. Henry the IV gave religious freedom to France ; Wash- 
ington took the yoke of monarchy from three million Colonists, 
but Lincoln caused the shackles to drop from the arms, intellects 
and souls of about four millions of American citizens. 

The fixed policy of Lincoln primarily was the preservation 
of the Union, the dissolution of which was to him, (and to 
every true American), the greatest calamity which could befall 
the nation. The men who voluntarily composed the 153d Regi- 
ment were as a reserve force, moved by the momentous issue in 
the campaign which ended in the election of the great Eman- 



2 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

cipator to the Presidency. They had helped to elect him ; they 
knew how he stood on the great moral question of human slavery ; 
for largely the men were religious in practice or at least in pro- 
clivity. Probably the majority had imbibed the anti-slavery sen- 
timent which had become the burning sectional issue. Many 
of them sealed their convictions with their blood on the sacred 
soil of Gettysburg. 

The origin of the Civil War is well known, having been 
graphically and well related by many authors, but to give our 
forthcoming history proper setting the description of the part 
that the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment took should be 
accurately and faithfully prefaced by such antecedent history, 
of the origin and causes that led up to the Rebellion, as will 
properly introduce the record we are about to write. Neither 
can brevity be employed in a work of such interest and perma- 
nent value to the casual reader and military student. There is 
no place for fiction in a work of this sort, where authenticity is 
of such great value. The preservation of the Union ranks 
among the great epochs of any nation or empire of the world. 

The writer was eye-witness to two of the most pivotal cam- 
paigns of the war — battles in which his Regiment fought — ■ 
having faithfully preserved in Diary form, a perfect itinerary 
of the army, the movements and battles in which he, with his 
regiment participated, and of such incidents as occurred during 
the term of enlistment, which extended from September 22, 
1862, to July 24, 1863. 

In writing up the history and deeds of heroism of one thousand 
men the historian faces a most difficult and laborious task. 
First, for want of the detailed and perfect reports by com- 
manders respectively; Second, for want of narratives from the 
different Companies, by comrades of them respectively, so as to 
spread the interest of the individual over the larger field of 
reminiscent record. 

As the historian is fully aware that it is not in keeping with 
the work committed to him to write up matters in which the 153d 



INCEPTIVE CHAPTER 3 

Regiment had no part, nevertheless, he feels it imperative to 
relate such parts of the general engagement with which his regi- 
ment was associated, that a clearer view may be obtained of the 
achievements of the regiment itself. 

To one not acquainted with the philosophy of military his- 
tory, divergent and often contradictory records have the sem- 
blance of positive falsifications ; but with the candid reader 
authenticity is not determined alone by the reports of individual 
observations of witnesses who occupied different positions and 
view points of the same general engagements. A great battle 
over long and complicated lines over ground of varied configura- 
tion and many natural impediments, and, as is sometimes the 
case, fought at night, cannot be faithfully and accurately de- 
scribed by any one man ; but must depend on the reports of 
many. 

The true historian gathers facts from every source, even 
from the enemy who can often furnish valuable information. 
It is our own good fortune that the Reports of both sides are 
accessible from the published Records of the Government. 

Many of the histories which came under the observation of 
the writer, while affording valuable data respecting the move- 
ments, battles and issues of the campaign, have been so heavily 
tainted with odium cast upon certain officers ; others of them 
written in such partisan style ; that the accounts given by them 
must of necessity be omitted if the peculiar narrative the histor- 
ian is expected to present to the greatly diversified readers of 
the book, is to meet general acceptance. Often incidents occur 
in the numerous diaries, presented by the friends of comrades 
which contain personal matters which would not be pleasant 
reading by surviving friends. We have, therefore, eliminated 
much that would otherwise have added relish to the stories. 

Nothing is so vital and interesting to the friends of the veter- 
ans as the relation of scenes of a battle, and yet many of the 
horrors of the battle field if related in all their true vividness 
would be most harrowing to those friends who mourned the loss 



4 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

of dear ones, and from whom there comes but the lone, 
sad report — buried with the "Unknown." 

Any attempt at depicting the timely retreat of the Eleventh 
Corps, on the fateful Second of May at Chancellorsville, would 
be a mere wasting of words. The battle which was overtaken 
with darkness must for all time to come remain shrouded in 
confusion worse confounded. Both armies became entangled 
in the wilderness as the darkness covered the scene. About 500 
of the 700 men of the 153d Regiment that were in line at the 
opening of the battle at 5.30 p. m., were widely scattered in 
the dense woods ; many of them did riot find their command until 
the next day. About 300 of them were rallied before midnight 
near the Chancellorsville House. The pursuing rebels were 
equally confused and scattered, one of the divisions having lost 
all organization in their mad rush. The scenes of that weird, 
trackless, forest were truly appalling. The roar of cannon, and 
bursting shell, crackling of broken boughs, the rattle of musketry, 
and the shouts and yells of men, mingled with the groans of 
the dying made the awful night hideous. 

No part of the army engaged in the Nation's defense deserves 
more of the commendation of their countrymen and to hold a 
warmer place in the memory of the future generations, than our 
own Northampton County Regiment. 

The stirring times incident to the enlistment and departure 
of our boys to the war, is still fresh in the memory of many 
living, while the vast majority of those then alive have long 
since departed this life. 

A nobler and more soldierly body of men did not go out to 
defend the Union. The Officers proved themselves leaders who 
won the esteem of the men whom they commanded. 

The 153d was composed in large part of young men. They 
were chiefly of the farming class, yet many of them were 
mechanics and professional men. Loyalty to the Union was their 
watchword as they marched under the Stars and Stripes on that 



INCEPTIVE CHAPTER 5 

ever memorable September day. How well they acquitted 
themselves on the field of battle we confidently hope their pub- 
lished history will fully show. Many of them were descendants 
of the patriots of the Revolution, and the spirit of "76" stirred 
their Teutonic blood. They were true sons and ready for the 
heroic service of the hour — the auspicious period in the prog- 
ress of the war. 

The troops of the eastern portion of the Keystone State were 
noted for bravery in Colonial days. In the storming of Stony 
Point — the most daring strategic military movement of the Revo- 
lution — the two officers who led the 20 picked men under Wayne, 
were Gibbon and Knox, both Pennsylvanians. The hero Gen- 
eral of the Assault, was also a native of the State of our pride. 
Colonel Hays and Colonel Febiger who led the forlorn hope 
were natives of our State. The writer's grandsire, a Sergeant 
and a native of old Northampton, died in the battle of Long 
Island. 

There were noble men in our organization who were hindered 
by force of circumstances from taking part with us. Our sym- 
pathy for them is the deeper since we know how well they would 
have assisted in the defense of home and native land. Our 
men had the honor of belonging to a State than which none in 
the Union had more to fight for. The Keystone State had 
become the pivotal one of the nation. Its protection was 
fraught with incalculable consequences. What' transcendent 
honor that the high water mark of the Rebellion should be 
reached in our grand old Commonwealth, and that so many of 
her noble sons should have been permitted to cast the fatal dart 
at the tottering "Lost Cause." 

It is the higher honor that our boys did not enlist in a war 
of aggression, or grasp of empire, but for a great and pure 
cause. For this their deeds will ever stand out in bold relief 
on the page of history, be an enduring legacy to all their pos- 
terity, and live long in the memory of their grateful country. 
Their gallant impulses, resulting in glorious achievements, have 



6 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

contributed a noble part in the restoration of the Union upon a 
perpetual basis of national peace. 

Of all the soldiers of the eastern part of the State, our regi- 
ment was the only organization that was wholly composed of 
Northampton men. 



Proclamation of Governor Curtin. 

C. P. Buckingham, Brigadier General and Assistant Adjutant 
General, Dispatched Governor Curtin July 7, 1862, asking him 
to raise twenty-one Regiments as early as possible, in order to 
fill the quota required by the President. The Proclamation issued 
by the Governor is as follows : 

"To sustain the government in times of common peril by all his 
energies, his means, and his life, if need he, is the duty of every loyal 
citizen. The President of the United States has made a requisition on 
Pennsylvania for twenty-one new regiments, and the regiments already in 
the field must be recruited. Enlistments will be made for nine months in the 
new regiments and for twelve in the old. The existence of the present 
emergency is well understood. I call on the inhabitants of the counties, 
cities, boroughs and townships throughout our borders to meet and take 
active measures for the immediate furnishing of the quota of the State. 
I designate below the number of companies which are expected from the 
several counties in the State, trusting the support of her honor in this 
crisis, as it may be safely trusted, to the loyalty, fidelity and valor of her 
freemen. 

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at Harrisburg. 
this 21 st day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred 
and sixty-two, and of the Commonwealth the eighty-second. 

By the Governor : A. G. CURTIN. 

ELI SLIFER, Secretary of the Commonwealtli." 



PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR CURTIN 



The President's call Response 

April 15, 1861 75,000 3 months 93.3^6 

May 3, 1861 82.748 

July 22 and 25, 1861 500,000 3 years 714.231 

May and June, 1862 15.007 

July 2, 1862 300,000 3 years 43L958 

August 4, 1862 300,000 9 months 87,588 

June 15, 1863 100,000 6 months 16,361 

October 17, 1863 300,000 2 years 

February 1, 1864 200,000 2 years 374-807 

March 14, 1864 200,000 3 years 284,021 

April 23, 1864 85,000 100 days 83,652 

July 18, 1864 500,000 1, 2, 3 years 384.882 

December 19, 1864 300,000 1, 2, 3 years 204,568 

Total 2,942,748 2,690,401 

Once this vast army moved about over the wide arena of bat- 
tle like waving grain over a great harvest field ready for the 
reaper. The panorama of those mighty surging columns abides 
real as life to those who were participants in the great national 
conflict or those who are still living under the shadow of sor- 
row over the untimely death of a beloved one in the distant 
battle field long years ago. 

In the Pension Building, Washington, in Sculpture design is 
shown the marching columns of the men in blue as real as in the 
days we bore arms in the defense of the Union. Those en- 
graved, familiar scenes speak more eloquently than the sabried 
friezes of the Parthenon in Athens, or the Pantheon of Rome, 
which is dedicated to all the gods. With lavish art are here 
pictured the brave defenders of the nation for the study and in- 
spiration of the soldiers of all coming generations. 

All language is lame, and the most eloquent description of 
demonstrations of rejoicing over the victory fall short of de- 
picting the emotions of the men when they saw and heard that 
their side had won the day. Even amid the din, and strife of 



8 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

battle, with the ground strewn with the dead and dying the most 
enthusiastic and hilarious shouts rent the air. Any one standing 
listening on a distant point of the extended field could dis- 
tinguish by the peculiar huzzas which side was winning, and 
which ensign would continue to wave over the bloodv scenes. 



The Patriotism of the Keystone State. 

In nothing can a State show her loyalty more than in her 
votes for a presidential candidate who has issued his proclama- 
tion that he will stand by the Government. Lincoln came to 
the throne at the most critical hour of the Nation. In a table 
showing the aggregate votes by States in i860 and 1864, we 
note the following figures : 

Out of 25 states then casting their votes the three largest 
have been selected for comparison : 

Ohio, 1864, cast 470,745 

Ohio, i860, cast 442,441, showing an increase of 28,304 

Pennsylvania. 1864, cast 572,697, 

Pennsylvania, i860, cast 476,442, showing an increase of 96,255 

New York, 1864, cast 730,664, 

New York, i860, cast 675,156, showing an increase of 55,508 

Thus showing an increase over Ohio of 67,951 

Thus showing an increase over New York of 40,747 



Total of both States 108.698 

Pennsylvania increase 96.255 



Pennsylvania increase over both 12.443 

As if the above figures of comparison were not sufficiently 
astonishing what will be thought of the patriotism indicated in 
the following superb showing: 




Abraham Lincoln. 



THE PATRIOTISM OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 9 

The total number of votes cast for the war President in 1864 

footed up to the enormous figure of 4.015, 773 

Total in i860 3.870,222 

Total majority of the 2nd election over the 1st 145-551 

Of this majority our gallant old State cast 96.255 

Leaving the small remnant to the credit of all the rest 49,296 

Can there be any stronger reason why she is called the "Key- 
stone?" 

As a seal of their integrity 22,000 of her brave men were 
in the great battle in their native State — Gettysburg. The 
names of all the comrades of the 153d Regiment who were in 
this world famed battle will be inscribed on the noble cenotaph 
now in course of erection on those sacred grounds. For this 
object the War Department has complied with the re- 
quest of the Battle Field Commission and has furnished a per- 
fect roll of all participants of our Regiment. 

Immortal significance is attached to the words of the lamented 
Lincoln in his speech at his second inaugural, "Fondly do we 
hope, fervently do we pray that the mighty scourge of war may 
speedily pass away;" and by the great sacrifice they (our sol- 
diers) made furnished the subject matter of the most unique 
memorial address ever delivered over the graves of heroes. 
The Classics of two thousand years had not been so highly en- 
riched before the addition of the Gettysburg Speech of the 
martyr Lincoln. 

Our regiment enlisted and went to the front at a time when 
varied conflicts had left the majority of successes on the confed- 
erate side. The Proclamation issued by the President left no more 
doubt in the mind of the south and their sympathizers as to the 
ultimate success of the slave cause, if their victories at arms con- 
tinued in ratio as in the past. 

The success of the Army of the Potomac was not secured to 
the entire satisfaction of the Government, and changes of com- 



10 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

manders occurred in rapid succession. The second battle of 
Bull Run (on the 30th of August, 1862) was lost but the troops 
two days afterwards, under Hooker, Reno and Kerney, after 
a fierce and short engagement, defeated the enemy. On the 7th, 
(September, 1862) General McLellan was appointed to the com- 
mand of the Army of the Potomac and on the 5th of November, 
after two months service, was relieved in favor of Burnside. 
Burnside served two months and twenty three days, and on the 
28th of January retired, and General Joseph Hooker was placed 
in command. The term of Hooker was also short (just five 
months), when on the 27th of June General George G. Meade 
was placed in command. Thus four great generals were in 
command of the Army of the Potomac within the short space 
from September 7, 1862, to June 27, 1863. It is a fact worthy 
of note that the 153d Regiment had the distinguished honor of 
rendering its time of service with the Army of the Potomac under 
every General who commanded it ; E. A. Weaver, of Philadelphia, 
a gentleman of accredited ability as a student of military affairs. 
a son of a veteran and a contributor to the reminiscent department 
of our history, referring to the service of the regiment, makes the 
following observation : That "in the ten months the regiment 
was in service, it served under every commander of the army of 
the Potomac, and in the campaigns at Chancellorsville and 
Gettysburg, its position was unique, and its services at both 
places of great importance considered from a military stand- 
point." 

The position occupied by our regiment, on this famous and 
most brilliant battle field of the war, seems truly Providential; be- 
ing at least one of the most remarkable coincidences that our 
Northampton Regiment, the brave sons of the Keystone State, 
under the command of the State's celebrated Chiefs — Meade, Rey- 
nolds, Hancock and others, should take so conspicuous a part on 
their native soil, in turning back the formidable commands of 
the flower of the southern army, led by the greatest chieftains of 
their cause. Of no small significance is the fact also that Gen- 
eral Doubleday, one of the ablest commanders on the field, should 



THE PATRIOTISM OF THE KEYSTONE STATE 



II 



have aimed the first gun in the defense of Fort Sumpter, and 
should be the first to stand in the breach on the first day's 




Bugler Wm. H Beaber, Co. I. Call to Arms. 



ferocious attack by the rebel forces after the death of the 
lamented Reynolds. 

The mortification and depression which had so greatly seized 
our troops over the defeats of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville 
was forgotten in the great joy over the glorious victory of Gettys- 



12 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

burg. This was the proudest act of their entire experience while 
in the service. The consciousness of having - remained a month 
beyond their term of enlistment, and having fought for their 
loved ones and homes with such enduring results, and the enobling 
emotions, in anticipation of soon meeting those dear ones again 
around the old fireside, were beyond the power of words to 
describe. 

Our regiment had waited to see what would come of the war, 
and when the crucial period arrived their response to the nation's 
call in the perilous hour was with such promptitude as to become 
astonishing to the citizens of the county, and gained for the 
Northampton men the warm commendation of the authorities of 
the State. The enthusiasm of the officers was unbounded. Those 
were memorable days ; greater patriotism and general excitement 
had never been known in the County. The war was the all ab- 
sorbing theme of conversation at home, in places of business and 
in the churches. Newspapers were read with great avidity, and 
letters, from soldiers who had preceded us in the field were read 
and re-read with much eagerness. Mothers sat up until late 
hours of the night to hear the last news from the seat of war. 

On account of your fatiguing marches, dark nights of lying 
in sleet and drifting snow, in loneliness of the woods, or walk- 
ing your dismal beat within hearing of the vigilant foe, or fac- 
ing the cold steel of the defiant enemy, or amid the hail of 
minies or beneath bursting shell whose fragments killed com- 
rades by your side, we chronicle the following words for your 
comfort : 

"The memorial art, in the preservation of scenic and historic objects 
of the Rebellion, will continue to erect appropriate and imposing sculp- 
ture, while with reverence the passing generations will pause long and 
pensively to read the inscriptions of the monuments our grateful country 
has erected to the memory of its heroic dead. Those grounds which you 
trod on those memorable hot days of July, and which were hallowed by 
the blood of your fallen brothers, are already listed with the classics in 
monumental literature, and will forever remain consecrated by the ashes 



THE ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT 13 

of your comrades who sleep in the soil they stained with their blood, while 
dying for the preservation of their own and our beloved country." 

As many comrades witnessed the fearful scenes of which your 
historian has so unworthily written, we most cheerfully accord 
to them a large space for the relation of the story they have to 
tell. 



The Itinerary of the Regiment. 

"In Lieu of a Draft" was printed on the knapsacks of the 
boys of the new Regiment just organized in old Northampton. 
August 4, 1862. The Order of the War Department was read 
all over the land: "That a Draft of 300,000 militia be im- 
mediately called into service of the United States, to serve for 
nine months unless sooner discharged. The Secretary of War 
will assign the quotas to the States and establish regulations 
for the draft. 

If any State shall not by the 15th of August furnish its quota 
of the additional 300,000 volunteers authorized by law the de- 
ficiency of volunteers in that State will also be made up by 
special draft from the militia. The draft for 300,000 militia 
called for will be made Sept. 3d. 

Washington, D. C, August 4, 1862." 

Hence the Call to Arms. Governors of most of the loyal 
states in the 2d year of the war seeing that the losses in the 
army where the earliest activities had been going on, and know- 
ing the feeling of the people on the necessity of a more de- 
termined effort to crush the haughty South, hastily in formal 
communications requested the President to issue an appeal to 
the states for the recruiting of more men for suppression of 
the Rebellion. 

The quota of Pennsylvania was 45,321. The men in various 
sections of the County had been in training in a private way for a 
long time. The writer attended numerous gatherings where 



14 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



drill in arms was conducted. Sermons were preached. The 
air was permeated with war news. It was quite natural the dis- 
ciplined men should be among the first to enlist. These meet- 
ings greatly stimulated enthusiasm, resulting in the formation 
of thirteen companies instead of ten. These Companies were 
not all full, so that on arrival at Harrisburg suitable adjustments 
were made and resulted in the complement of 100 men to each 
Company. The Roster, furnished by Comrade N. H. Mack, 




Clvde Millar and brother. Brothers in War. 



of Bethlehem, will show the assignments and official list com- 
plete. The first meeting for organization of the Regiment took 
place in Easton on the 226. of September, 1862. The days of 
the 23d and 24th were spent in the City of Easton in complet- 
ing the formation, and on the 25th we took train for Harris- 
burg where the regiment arrived at 10 o'clock in the evening, 
remaining in the cars for the nisfht. On the mornine; of the 26th 



THE ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT 15 

we marched to the camp and had our first experience in the 
erection of Soldiers' Tents. It may interest the sentimental, and 
will be remembered by the christians of the regiment that the 
first evening after our settlement there was a public prayer 
meeting held in front of Company "F". The meeting consisted 
of the reading of the 91st Psalm, prayer, singing, and dismis- 
sion. 

Our stay at Harrisburg offered excellent opportunities for the 
exercise of camp life, so necessary to health and enjoyment. 
We soon became inured to the restraint of army discipline, and 
eagerly sought the equipment necessary for service. We were 
not long improvising methods and devices for the employment of 
time. Those familiar with the art of writing domestic letters 
found ample employment, and were sought by those of the regi- 
ment who had not had training in this department of an active 
life; artists did sketching; poets wrote poems; journalists kept 
diaries ; tailoring, plain sewing, darning, etc., had not yet re- 
quired attention. Washday was indefinitely deferred. Some had 
brought with them text books for College preparatory work ; 
some had Institutes of theology ; Usually there was an accumu- 
lation of enough books to fit out a small library. The desire for 
pastime was early gratified, having ample room for its exercise. 
Among the great variety were those who could not quit the 
habits of home life, and there were many noble instances of the 
practice of moral principles in the ranks of the men. It was 
also sad to witness the decline of the religious fervor of some 
who before coming to the army had been men of fine christian 
character at home. 

Another perplexing item had to be disposed of about the 
time of our seemingly useless detention in camp. It was the 
delay of getting the promised bounty. The committee had really 
no authority to pay the money until the men were mustered into 
the service. In the settlement of the difficulty the kindly in- 
fluence of the great-hearted Colonel Glanz interposed, and set- 
tlement was promptly made. 



1 6 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

At the muster-in and equipment of the men, with uniforms and 
other outfit (barrel drams and iron swords for the drummers) 
the full fledged soldier bloomed out for service at the front. 
Orders for moving had been received and necessary prepara- 
tions made to march when the first installment of the many 
countermands was received. We were obliged to spend another 
week in Camp Curtin. The last sermon some of us had heard 
on the Sabbath evening before our departure was based upon 
the text, "I have fought a good fight ;" the first sermon we en- 
joyed in Camp Curtin was on the same text. They were very 
inspiring discourses, but would have been of more literal appli- 
cation if they had been preached to the boys after the two nota- 
ble battles in which they participated. 

The muster-in of the regiment ©ccurred on October 7th, and 
our equipment at the arsenal on the nth, whereupon we boarded 
the cars where we spent parts of two days and a night impatient- 
ly waiting to move, but to our dissatisfaction returned to the 
old camp for another week. On the 18th of October we left 
for Baltimore, arriving there in the evening and were served 
with a substantial meal. Slept in the Railroad Station and on 
the 19th went to Washington where we arrived at 8 p. m. 
Crossed Long Bridge and encamped at Camp Seward on the 
next day. While in Camp Barker, we received information 
concerning our assignment to the nth Corps, and removed 
to Camp near Fort Meigs, where on the 30th the command 
joined the Corps of General Sigel, reporting to him at Gaines- 
ville, Va., where the Corps was lying at the time, on the 4th 
of November. We left Gainesville on the 9th of November and 
reached Aldie from where we marched to Chantilly arriving 
there on the evening of the 18th. Here we spent twenty-two 
days made blithesome by our new band. The places we next 
camped at were Fairfax and Stafford Court House. The "star- 
vation" period at Stafford and the "mud march" from Fairfax 
to Stafford are events that cannot be forgotten. Our next move 
was on the 18th, when we went about two miles to a position in 
the woods near Accakeek Creek, some of the men groins: on 




£ x 



o © 

•a oj 
■a 55 






.2 < 





- 


w 


s 






> 








rt 


u; 


H* 


M 






^j 


rt 


M 




1/ 




« 


O 



THE ITINERARY OF THE REGIMENT 



17 



picket duty. On the 20th marched to Brooks Station and en- 
camped in a woods. Men were guarding the Railroad. The 




a o 



Regiment finally settled in its winter quarters at Potomac Creek 
Bridge. Here we spent the memorable winter of the campaign 
of 1862-3. The Camp is more familiarly called "Brooks Sta- 



1 8 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

tion." Much sickness and numbers of deaths occurred during 
the four months of our stay here. 

With the opening of spring we set out with Hooker for the 
famous battle field of Chancellorsville. March 27th, the troops, 
which had been in Camp here for the winter, started for Kelley's 
Ford which we crossed on the night of the 28th. 

The Comrades who have contributed to the history have re- 
lated sufficient narrative matter to interest the reader, so that 
there seems no reason for further historic data on itinerary. 



An Interesting Item of the Itinerary. 

The following incidents of the itinerary of the regiment giv- 
ing the places where the command halted and the time spent at 
each place will be of great interest to the comrade by way of 
comparison with the diary kept by so large a number of the 
boys. 

The days spent were: At Easton, 3; Camp Curtin, 18; Balti- 
more, 1 ; Washington and forts, 16 ; Manassas Junction, 1 ; 
Gainesville, 4 ; Aldie, 9 ; Chantilly, 22 ; Stafford Court House, 2 ; 
Dumfriez, 2; Camp near Brooks Station, 134; these days foot 
to 212. The time required to fill the 300 days of the term of en- 
listment begins with the 27th of April and ends with July 24th, 
when the muster-out occurred. 




THE DISTINGUISHED 153D REGIMENT 19 

The Distinguished 153d Regiment. 

The position assigned the 153d Regiment at Chancellorsville 
was the most unique of all the organizations in line. It was a 
lone kid before a crouching lion. As indicated on a State Map 
its formation was somewhat in shape of a semi-circle, in which 
form it presented three fronts of the three strong enveloping 
lines of Jackson's attack. The only favorable conditions for the 
formation of either army were afforded by the turnpike and plank 
roads, and on these the Federal army was mainly posted. These 
leading thoroughfares were the only means for the movements 
of artillery and cavalry, excepting the occasional field by the road 
side. The line of the enemy's attacking forces extended one 
mile either side of the turnpike on which the Eleventh Corps 
was aligned, but in their impetuous rush upon our regiment the 
rebel troops soon lost all organization and mainly poured down 
the roads like wild beasts before a forest fire. It is of equal 
importance to note that our regiment was not only the first at- 
tacked, but is shown on the military maps as among the last 
troops to retire from the scene as Hooker's troops recrossed the 
swelling Rappahannock. It is also remarkably true that we were 
among the first troops to meet Early in the first day's fight at 
Gettysburg, and among the last posted on Cemetery Hill, on the 
retreat of the Confederate army. From the best evidence at- 
tainable we take special pride to state that our men were among 
the first and most courageous troops to attempt a rally of the 
fleeing crowd before the avalanche on the memorable 2d of May, 
having been the last regiment to retreat from the line when 
attacked by Jackson's mighty army which was closing in upon 
our defenseless men like the arms of a huge cuttle-fish. To 
the everlasting memory of the quick, vehement command of 
the brave von-Gilsa our heroic 700 boys would have become 
boarders at the hotel-de Libby at the metropolis of the Confed- 
eracy. 

The spread of the Jackson troops so far north (as they came 
in upon us) was to prevent the retreat of our army towards 



20 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

the Fords ; for it was part of his plan to get possession of 
these crossings. 



The Activities of Friday, May 1st. 

Quoting from the diary of the writer the following appears: 
"Friday, May ist, 9 a. m., started out of camp in the direction of 
Fredericksburg. Ordered to fall back and go west of camp along 
the turnpike. About 5 p. m. or a little later a battle commenced 
as nearly as I could tell about 8 miles west of Fredericksburg. 
It commenced with musketry, soon, in half an hour artillery, then 
tremendous cannonading till dusk. Still firing at 8 p. m. 

Saturday 2d, lay on arms all night, slept in woods. Firing 
commenced early this morning. Heavy cannonading, toward 
Fredericksburg, and south of us all day, more or less. Attack 
expected at several places. The 153d did the first firing, at 2 
or 4 p. m. The ist Brigade was the first attacked. A fine day." 

A few hours before the attack by Jackson's men, and while our 
men were resting on arms, in expectation of attack, I was sitting 
near the trunk of a large tree, under a canvas stretched for pro- 
tection from the sun, engaged in writing a poem. I here pro- 
duce the poem by way of confirmation of the more detailed ac- 
count given by Simmers and Bachschmid in their book published 
in the year 1863. 

The noise of distant cannonading, and the skirmishing along our 
south line during the entire day, and the activities which had been 
going on during most of the hours we were in the woods hourly 
expecting the engagement to come on, had put every man in a 
pensive mood. It is always a serious time on the eve of a battle, 
and very properly so. It is of peculiar interest that so many 
writers have spoken of the mildness and calm of that memorable 
Saturday morning. The atmosphere was balmy and not a leaf 
stirred. Supreme quiet reigned in the region where our regiment 
was in line. The men had just stacked the arms upon which they 



THE ACTIVITIES OF FRIDAY, MAY 1ST 21 

had lain the night before. It was drawing toward the hour for 
the evening meal, and some of us were preparing it. 

The writers above mentioned, whose account the poem certi- 
fies, say : 

"There was nothing to disturb the stillness of the night. The sun rose 
brilliantly on the ist of May, and, having sufficiently recovered from hard- 
ships of the previous days, the men were in the best of spirits. The con- 
gratulatory order of Major-General Hooker, which was received at an 
early hour, and in which he promised his troops such an easy victory, was 
calculated to increase this buoyancy of spirits still more. All felt con- 
fident of success ; the fate of Fredericksburg was considered sealed, no 
one dreamed of a reverse. At n o'clock a. m. the booming of cannon on 
our right told us that the struggle had commenced. The numerous aids 
that were seen hurrying to and fro reminded us of the fact that the time 
of inactivity was passed, and that the time of activity had arrived. 

About noon orders were received to strike tents, pack knapsacks, and 
to be ready to march at any moment. The order was at once complied 
with, in twenty minutes had formed into line, and was just on the point 
of leaving when our movement was countermanded — we were to remain 
until further orders. The bands of the returning regiments were play- 
ing 'Yankee Doodle,' while everybody considered the victory already 
achieved. The prevailing belief was that Hooker's strategical move- 
ment had obliged the Confederates to evacuate Fredericksburg, and that 
the firing heard was that of the fleeing columns. Strange delusion ! 

Half an hour after this we were again in motion and continued in mo- 
tion with but few interruptions until nearly midnight. Where the emer- 
gency seemed to require our presence there we were. About the middle 
of the afternoon heavy firing was heard in the rear, while toward evening 
it had shifted more to our immediate left. The enemy was evidently 
'feeling' our position. However, the day and evening passed without 
our being called upon to participate in the fiery ordeal. This was reserved 
for us until the following day. It was nearly midnight, when having 
occupied a position in the woods facing northwest, we were permitted to 
lie down. At daybreak everybody was 'up and doing.' Our slender 
meal was soon dispatched. It was a lovely morning. Old Sol seemed 
to have put on his holiday robe, while peace and the deepest silence reign- 



22 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

ed around us. A calm usually precedes a storm. It having meanwhile 
been decided that we should hold our position, large fatigue parties were 
detailed to clear a small space in front of our lines. And more willing 
hands never wielded an axe than our boys did on that memorable day. 
The trees were soon felled and distributed in such manner as to seriously 
impede the progress of the enemy should they attempt to attack us. The 
balance of the forenoon was spent in comparative inactivity. The 
numerous scouts and aides that were continually leaving our lines, in- 
variably reported 'all right in the front,' on their return. That all was 
not right in front the sequel will show. At about 1 o'clock p. m. three 
shots were fired immediately in our front. These were the enemy's 
scouts, sent out to sound our position. The report of the discharged 
pieces had hardly died away. when, by some fatality the enemy's fire was 
answered by a tremendous volley from our lines. This deplorable mis- 
take furnished the enemy precisely the information they had wished to 
obtain. It disclosed to them our true position and informed them of our 
strength. 

A party of skirmishers, composed of men from the different regiments 
of the brigade, under command of Captain Owen Rice, were at once 
thrown forward, and such other precautionary measures taken as the 
exigency seemed to demand. The men rested on their arms, nor was 
any one permitted to quit his post. For an hour or two, everything re- 
mained quiet. 

At about half past four o'clock a party of the 45th New York Volun- 
teers came running in, reporting that the enemy was massing in front. 
Every one was now on the qui vive. That mischief was brewing became 
momentarily more apparent. Firing at front which at first was only 
heard at long intervals, became now more frequent and was evidently 
nearing. That our skirmishers were being driven back could be doubted 
no longer. In a few minutes more they were in full sight, still retreat- 
ing, though obstinately contesting every foot of ground." 

The above quotation sufficiently corresponds with the writer's 
own observations in every essential respect and has justified its 
use in narrative. The value of these two accounts will be greatly 
increased when it is borne in mind that the incidents here related 
were written upon the ground of their occurrence. The writers 
of the quotations and the historian of this history had no ac- 



WRITTEN JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE 2.3 

quaintance either in the army or afterwards. The following i? 
the poem just as then composed by the writer: 

Written Just Before the Battle by W. It. Kiefer. 

Both lovely and calm is the morning. 

That now finds us silently here ; 
Though sleepless we lay till the dawning, 

To watch lest the foe should appear. 
Though in danger with enemies around us, 

'Midst conflicts that just took an end, 
We calmly returned to this ambush 

And pickets to stations did send. 
Commanded by brave-hearted leaders, 

We stopped not to doubt of success ; 
But soldier-like march out to meet those 

Who sought our ranks to suppress. 
I look upon all that surrounds me — 

I see that more danger is nigh : 
That thousands of armed men await us, 

And scores of us shortly will die. 
The sorrows that now swell each bosom, 

Are not to be visibly seen ; 
But one thing doth truly assure me, 

That all are so calm and serene. 
By waiting the future oft tells us 

Of solemn events yet unseen ; 
But O, how inquiringly anxious 

To know who shall fall in the scene. 
Though grave may be each one's expression, 

And seemingly pious be found, 
With great lamentation for error 

Will many a bosom abound. 
Not riches nor friends can relieve them. 

When death shall their bodies embrace, 
Much less can the worldling deprive them 

If Jesus should grant them His grace. 



24 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Chancellorsville Battle. 

Through captured letters and general newspaper reports the 
•Confederates learned early that it was Hooker's plan on the ap- 
proach of spring and the season of passable roads to disturb Lee's 
twenty-five miles of entrenchments on the south bank of the 
Rappahannock river. The vigilant Stuart, who, learning of the 
massing of our troops on the crossing of Kelley's Ford, 
rode in great haste to the vicinity of Fredericksburg on the night 
of Thursday, April 30th, and on Friday morning about 9 o'clock 
our Regiment started eastward towards the Chancellorsville 
House. Some time after noon we were ordered back again and 
posted some distance back of where we had first halted. Here 
our men immediately began the clearing of the wood, and con- 
tinued slashing trees and building barricade early Saturday morn- 
ing. I distinctly heard firing late on the afternoon of Friday. The 
cannonading continued until dusk and still continued until 8 
o'clock. Our men slept on arms on the night of the 1st. Firing- 
continued. While we were occupying this position there was con- 
stant firing south of us with little cessation all day Saturday and 
our men were in constant expectation of getting into engagement. 
So much for the diary. Here is the actual history of the noise 
of battle at the time. Birney says : "At 2 p. m. April 30th, I re- 
ceived orders from the major-general commanding the Corps (3d 
Corps) to march my division to the United States Ford, and 
cross it by 7.30 a. m. next day, taking care to move through the 
ravines, concealing my troops from the enemy. I reached Harriet's 
on the Warrenton turnpike, at about 11.30 p. m.. and bivouaced. 
The march was resumed on May 1st, at 5.30 a. m., crossing the 
bridges at the United States Ford at 7.30 a. m., and reaching a 
point near Chancellorsville at about 11 a. m." "At 1 p. m." 
(Friday) Birney continues, "under orders from Major-General 
Sickles I sent Graham's brigade and Turnbull's battery to Dow- 
dall's Tavern to take position." (Here occurred the little episode 
between Howard and Birney growing out of a misunderstanding 
of relief coming to Howard). 

To connect the story we continue the report of Birney: "At 



CHANCELLORSVILLE BATTLE 



25 



5 p. m. the enemy attacking Slocum's front, I took position behind 
the Chancellorsville House, with Ward's and Hayman's bri- 
gades, and sent to the (Dowdall) tavern for Graham to return. 
When Graham's brigade reported, a position was assigned to it 
in support of one of General Slocum's batteries, and it was sub- 
jected to a heavy and well directed artillery fire without the power 
to return. With Ward's and Hayman's brigades I marched up the 
plank road toward Dowdall's Tavern, and meeting Generals Wil- 



Copyright, 1888, by The Century Co. 







/ 






At 



Dowdall's Tavern. Howard's Headquarters, at Chancellorsville. 
From a war-time Photograph. 



liams and Knipe, of Slocum's command, and finding the right of 
their line weak, bivouaced my two brigades in its rear." 

Here occurred the incident of Birney trying a few shots at 
Jackson's army passing within a mile of the front in his westerly 
course to gain our rear. This was 8 o'clock on Saturday morn- 
ing, showing that the movement of Jackson's army got an early 
start for the detour of fifteen miles. Birney says: "At 12 m. 
of May 2d, I received orders from Major-General Sickles to 
follow the enemy, pierce the column and gain possession of the 
road over which it was passing. In keeping with this order the 
following, troops hurried off to overtake the 'retreating' rebels : 



26 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Colonel Bedan's sharp-shooters, Hayman's brigade, Graham's bri- 
gade, and Ward's brigade, Turnbull's battery, General Whipple's 
division, and a brigade of the 12th corps, Barlow's brigade (taken 
from the nth corps) the 20th Indiana and the 5th Michigan. One 
hundred and eighty prisoners were captured." Birney, like the rest 
of the commanders, believed the enemy retreating, as is indi- 
cated by the following language : "At about 6.30 p. m. I received 
orders from Captain Alexander Moore, of Major-General Hook- 
er's staff, to advance rapidly, which I did, taking the road, and 
placing Randolf's battery, which I had ordered up, in position, 
poured a well directed fire on the 'retreating' column of the 
enemy." 

According to the reports of the rebels themselves they were 
quite disturbed in their march near the Furnace. Every by-path 
and wood road was occupied with Jackson's fighting train. It 
made a long procession. The head of it came up to our rear as 
early as three o'clock in the afternoon, but much of it, especially 
the rear guard, did not get up until the hour of attack, about 5.30 
p. m. Some alarm of the possible flank movement of the Con- 
federate forces had spread among the various organizations, the 
controversy over this question having been fierce and long since 
the war, but any one acquainted with the nature of the ground, 
(which it is impossible to fully describe) will at once conclude 
that the ground on which the first brigade (Gilsa's) was posted 
must have accounted for the surprise and defeat of our Regi- 
ment. It is safe to say that for solid interlacing of vines, under- 
growth, interminable mass of thicket, no battlefield in all the 
war equalled it. Hundreds of reports made by officers and pri- 
vates speak in the most extravagant language of that wild fores- 
try. Numbers of rebels who wrote about the advance of the 
soldiers mentioned the great disorder of the troops as they tried 
to move in line. It was one of the causes of an earlier halt in 
their pursuit of our retreating columns, as they were inter- 
mingled and scattered so widely that the organizations could no 
longer be recognized. The Confederates were also wholly ex- 
hausted for want of food and sleep. Many of them had had 
neither for two days. 



LOCATION OF THE ELEVENTH CORPS 



27 



The Location of the Eleventh Corps. 

For reasons already given, namely : Glanz taken prisoner and 
Lieutenant Dachrodt wounded, no reports from these officers 
were rendered, and that fact has made it necessary for me to 
look up the actions of the various organizations with whom we 
were affiliated. Captain Benjamin Morgan of the 75th Regiment, 
Ohio, gives the following brief report : 

"About noon on the 2d instant, the Seventy-fifth was ordered to the 
right to support the First Brigade. At 4.15 p. m. a volley was fired on 
our right flank by the One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania. From 




The Horse in War. The Scouts. 

information received, found it was occasioned by the appearance of rebel 
cavalry. 

About 5.20 p. m. heavy firing commenced on our right. Colonel 
Reilly immediately wheeled the Seventy-fifth to the right, and ordered 
column to be deployed ; but before the same could be properly accomplish- 
ed, a portion of the First Brigade broke through our ranks, considerably 
retarding the movement. The regiment was, however, formed in good 
order, and, after firing 3 rounds, men falling fast, and heavily pressed by 
overwhelming numbers, the order was given by Colonel Reilly to about- 
face, which was twice repeated by me before the regiment faced to the rear. 
They then retired in good order, ready to form on the first support, and 
were rallied by you personally about 6.15 p. m., and reformed.'' 

Several reports show the whereabouts of the nth Corps on 
Saturday night and on Sunday and also on Monday at 5 p. m. 
when they occupied rifle pits on the left of Hancock where lines 



28 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

of rifle pits had been constructed during the day. J. H. Lock- 
wood, commanding the Seventh Virginia (Union), reports that 
his command was, on Sunday, located as follows : "On the 3d 
instant, at about 7 a. m., we were ordered to form in line of 
battle, which we did in an open field fronting the wood that lay 
between us and the enemy, our Regiment, under command of 
Colonel Joseph Snider, occupying a position to the left of the 
Fourth Ohio and on the extreme left of the brigade." He speaks 
of being posted on the left of the road leading from Chancellors- 
ville to the United States Ford, and that during the day they 
were moved by the left flank and took position at right angles 
from the one they were then occupying, their right resting and 
adjoining the right of the Eleventh Corps. The Report of Colonel 
Charles J. Powers, of the One Hundred and Eighth New York, 
says, that the Brigade he commanded on the 3d "formed second 
line in support of rifle pits on the left of the position assumed 
by the army, our left resting on the pits occupied by the Eleventh 
Army Corps." 



Cliancellorsville Engagement. 

The engagements on the 1, 2, and 3d of May, 1863, are im- 
mortalized events in the annals of modern warfare, and yet few 
battle fields of the Rebellion have been more thoroughly neg- 
lected. Devastation has laid its desolating hand on every spot 
where once contending armies waged the bitter contest. No 
human agencies have been at work ameliorating the distorted 
conditions left by surging troops on those memorable days of 
carnage. The calamity that befell our army on that fateful 
ground offered no compensation to a backward glance over those 
bloody scenes of conflict. No patriotic impulse has stirred the 
Nation to commemorate in marble or bronze the portentous deeds 
of that trying day. The enemy highly elated over the half-won 
victory, on that dark clay, have left the field to the weird echoes 
of their fiendish shouts, and have since placed but a few simple 
markers of their unholy doings. 



ON THE CHANCELLORSVILLE BATTLEFIELD 20, 

We lost Chancellorsville; they lost their national cause, having 
invoked upon themselves the well deserved censure of all loyal 
citizens of our great Republic to the end of the ages. Time will 
never erase the scars of the wounds inflicted by the belligerent 
South upon the defenders of our beloved Country. We can for- 
give, but never forget. The bitter lessons will be salutary upon the 
children of many generations, and for the descendants of the 
Southern soldiers, who incurred the reprehension of the best 
Government the sun ever shone upon, we will ever entertain 
true charity ; while for their sake we will condone the overt act 
of their patriot fathers. No coming, or flight of years will ever 
obliterate the well-known fact that if the majority of the Con- 
federate soldiers had known at the time that the war was carried 
on by the South for the perpetuation of slavery, they would 
have laid down their arms. The great masses of southern soldiers 
were totally ignorant of what they were fighting for. They 
could not understand that the Yankee soldier had come to de- 
liver them from the curse which had hung over them for many 
generations, and that they had come to be among the last of 
all civilized people who had abolished the inhuman rite of trading 
in human beings. Their day of "Jubilee" had come. 



On the Chancellorsville Battlefield. 

This engagement is one of the most difficult of description of 
any of the war. It was not a decisive battle. The rebels them- 
selves acknowledged that they were almost annihilated. They 
needed rest much more than we did. 

All maps accessible showing the disposition of the Federal 
troops on the eve of the battle on the right of the line on the 
morning of the 2nd of May place our Regiment in the most 
defenseless, forlorn situation in which a body of men could be 
placed. Though among the last of the men in the brigade to obey 
an order to fall back after repeated volleys offered the advancing 
troops of Jackson's overwhelming forces as they broke in upon 
them on the rear and on the right and left flank, their deliverance 



30 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

by a timely retreat was one of the most marvelously fortuitous 
(though at the time considered the most calamitous) event of 
that great battle field. The alignment of the troops had refer- 
ence to an attack from the south as all records clearly exhibit. 
With a front of two miles in length it was not supposable that if 
the enemy intended engagement of our entire line of defenses 
at one time they could crush the two wings and center of our 
army with one simultaneous attack. In such an event, of an 
attack of our entire front at once, the position occupied by our 
regiment could not have been more fortunate, as an opportunity 
to show their marksmanship and bravery. This opinion of the 
men would certainly receive support when subsequently, under 
more favorable circumstances, at the great battle of Gettys- 
burg, they assisted in saving the crest and day, on the ever 
memorable Cemetery Hill. But for their timely escape from 
annihilation before 30,000 braves of the Confederate line at the 
indefensible post of the former battle, their victorious achievement 
at the latter would not have occurred. Who can say that our 
Regiment was not spared at the one to help save the day of the 
other. 

As to the confusion on that disastrous occasion it was largely 
increased on account of a panic brought on by the non-combatants 
— a considerable army composed of attendants, servants, the ambu- 
lance corps, with vehicles, animals, etc. — all looking for places 
of safety from the flying missiles. The space over which the 
company to which I belonged retreated was wooded for some 
distance and then came a clearing. I am fully satisfied that 
we were flanked on the left as well, for we had not receded 
far when I saw large numbers of rebels on our left who were 
rapidly firing on our retreating men. The shot and shell from 
the southwestern direction on our rear were doing very effective 
work on our troops and among the tree tops. I noticed in several 
instances that heavy boughs fell around us. The fright of the 
animals was as great as that of the men. I passed our little 
medicine jack with his heavy load. Poor little fellow was wound- 
ed and unable to run. Some one of the company captured, must 



HOOKER S FEINT 31 

have some recollections of the fellow; he was also captured as 
I have since been informed. 



Hooker's Feint. 

The main features of the scheme are as follows : The feint 
having been anticipated by General Lee, as is shown by the 
following information given him by General J. E. B. Stuart as ear- 
ly as March 12th, intimated that Hooker at Aquai Landing was 
contemplating some move. Stuart said : 

"The impression of the people in King George is that the enemy are 
preparing to move off, sending troops secretly from Aquai at night. The 
information from Falmouth is that the enemy will as soon as the roads 
permit cross at the United States Ford, Falmouth, and some points be- 
low, the attempt at Falmouth to be a feint." 

General Doubleday, who commanded a division of the forces 
sent down below Fredericksburg to make the feint, gives the fol- 
lowing account : 

"On the 28th, the Sixth Corps, under Sedgwick, and the First Corps, 
under Reynolds, were moved down the river, three or four miles below 
Fredericksburg, and bivouaced there in a pouring rain. As it was possible 
that the two corps might be attacked when they reached the other side, 
the Third Corps, under Sickles, was posted in the rear as a reserve. 

The next day two bridges were laid at Franklin's old crossing for 
the Sixth Corps, and two more a mile below for the First Corps. Men in 
rifle pits on the other side impeded the placing of the pontoons for a while, 
but detachments sent over in boats stormed their entrenchments, and drove 
them out. Brooks' division of the Sixth Corps and Wadsworth's division 
of the First Corps then crossed and threw up tete-de-ponts. The enemy 
made no other opposition than a vigorous shelling by their guns on the 
heights, which did but little damage. A considerable number of these 
missiles were aimed at my division and at that of J. C. Robinson, which 
were held in reserve on the north side of the river; but as our men were 
pretty well sheltered, there were but few casualties. 

It soon became evident that the enemy would not attack the bridge 



32 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

heads, they being well guarded by artillery on the north bank, so Sickles' 
Corps was detached on the 30th and ordered to Chanceliorsville. 

Sedgwick used the remainder of his men to great advantage by march- 
ing them back and forth among the hills in such a way as to lead Lee to 
suppose that a very large force confronted him. As, however, Sedgwick 
did not advance, and more accurate reports were furnished by Stuart in 
relation to what had taken place up the river, Lee saw, on the night of 
the 30th, that the movement in front of Fredericksburg, was a feint, and 
his real antagonist was at Chanceliorsville. He had previously ordered 
Jackson's corps up from Moss creek, and now advanced with the main 
body of his army to meet Hooker, leaving Early's division of Jackson's 
corps and Barkdale's brigade of McLaw's division of Longstreet's corps 
to hold the heights of Fredericksburg against Sedgwick. Jackson, who 
was always prompt, started at midnight, and at 8 a. m. the next day stood 
by the side of Anderson at Tabernacle Church. McLaw's division had 
already arrived, having preceded him by a few hours." 

But referring again to Doubleday's account, who says : 

"Hooker soon found himself hampered in every direction by dense and 
almost impenetrable thickets, which had a tendency to break up every 
organization that tried to pass through them into mere crowds of men 
without order or alignment. Under these circumstances concert of action 
became exceedingly difficult, and when attempts were made to communi- 
cate orders off of the road, aides wandered hopelessly through the woods, 
struggling in the thick undergrowth, without being able to find any one. 
The enemy, of course, was also impeded in their movements, but they 
had the advantage of being better acquainted with the country, and in 
case they were beaten they had a line at Tabernacle Church already en- 
trenched to fall back upon. The ravines also, which crossed the upper 
roads at right angles, offered excellent defensive positions for them." 





Major-General Joseph Hooker. 



THF, FORTIFIED RAPPAHANNOCK 33 

The Fortified Rappahannock. 

All the region from the upper Fords of the Rappahannock to 
the Franklin Crossing below Fredericksburg, a distance of about 
27 miles, was fortified by Lee, and was known as the south bank 
of the River (Rappahannock), while the Federal army known 
as the Army of the Potomac, occupied the country on the north 
side. Lee called the position of the Federals "The Stafford 
Hills" and looked upon them as strong and impregnable. 

During the long winter of 1862-3 the two opposing armies were 
making the necessary preparations for the opening of a campaign 
in the spring. 

For the comrade who reads these accounts it is necessary that 
he have a knowledge of the geography of the country, and that he 
carefully study the military maps which show the disposition of 
the various departments of the army on the respective days of 
the battle occurring. 

Several rivers, varying in size, run east of the Blue Ridge 
south of the Potomac, in a southeasterly direction, and empty into 
the Chesapeake bay. These streams have become noted in the his- 
tory of the military operations of the Army of the Potomac. The 
narrower part of the land between the Potomac and the Rappa- 
hannock is less than ten miles wide (at Fredericksburg). At 
points below the city the land is still narrower. The Rappahannock 
rises along the Blue Ridge and has a tributary known as the 
Rapidan, which also has its source at the base of the same moun- 
tain. The fork of these rivers is a little east of Chancellorsville, 
and about 9 miles in a westerly direction from Fredericksburg. 
Next, south, and with the same (southeasterly) course is the 
Matapony, which rises near Spottsylvania Court House, forming 
a junction with the Pamunky, of similar course, at West Point, 
together running into the York river, which broadens out into 
the Chesapeake. The next stream of greater importance is the 
James river, on which the City of Richmond is situated. The 
distance from Richmond to Washington is about 100 miles and 
Fredericksburg is midway between them. The distance from 
3 



34 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Chancellorsville to Fredericksburg is ten miles. The name 
Chancellorsville is very misleading to one not acquainted. There 
is no village. One rather pretentious building occupies the spot 
where several roads cross. This house was burned at the time 
of the battle, was rebuilt, but has been sufficiently reduced to a 
condition scarcely fit for more than a good bonfire. 

About three and a half miles from Fredericksburg on the 
Plank Road toward the Battlefield is the old, vacated shell- 
riddled meeting house where the battle of Salem Church 
was fought. Between two and three miles in a southwesterly 
course is Tabernacle Church. From this church the road makes 
a bend southward and comes out at the Chancellorsville House, 
where it unites with the plank road from which it had diverged. 
A third road runs from the Chancellorsville House towards the 
fords, a branch of which leads to United States Ford, over which 
our troops returned after the battle May 1-5. 



Hooker's General Orders, No. 49. 

Immediately after the battle of Chancellorsville General Hook- 
er issued the following order : — 

"The Major-General commanding tenders to this army his congratula- 
tions on its achievements of the last seven days. If it has not accomplish- 
ed all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the army. It is 
sufficient to say they were of a character not to be foreseen or prevented 
by human sagacity or resource. In withdrawing from the south bank of 
the Rappahannock before delivering a general battle to our adversaries, 
the army has given renewed evidence of its confidence in itself and its 
fidelity to the principles it represents. In fighting to a disadvantage, we 
would have been recreant to our trust, to ourselves, our cause, and our 
country. Profoundly loyal, and conscious of its strength, the Army of 
the Potomac will give or decline battle whenever its interest or honor 
may demand. It will also be the guardian of its own history and its own 
fame. 

By our celerity and secrecy of movement, our advance and passage of 



WHAT HOOKER FOUND IN THE DESERT 35 

the rivers were undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a rebel ventured 
to follow. 

The events of the last week may swell with pride the heart of every 
officer and soldier of this army. We have added new luster to its former 
renown. We have made long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the 
enemy in its entrenchments, and whenever we have fought have inflicted 
heavier blows than we have received. We have taken from the enemy 
5000 prisoners ; captured and brought off seven pieces of artillery, fifteen 
colors; placed hors de combat 18,000 of its chosen troops; destroyed its 
depots filled with vast amounts of stores ; deranged its communications ; 
captured prisoners within the fortifications of its capital, and filled its 
country with fear and consternation. 

We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave 
companions, and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they have 
fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the arbitrament of battle. 

By command of Major-General Hooker. 

S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General." 



What Hooker Found in the Desert. 

It will further greatly facilitate the study of the Chancellorsville 
battle by gaining first a detailed account of the position and num- 
ber of rebels occupying the woods in all that region. There had 
been previous skirmishing with fragments of the army of the 
enemy in the neighborhood of The Crossings of the Rappahan- 
nock, reference, detailed, having already been made to this in 
the report of General Lee. That there would be some demon- 
strations in this region on the opening of the spring was to be 
presumed, and the very vigilant scouring of those forests by the 
rebel scouts was an indication that movements of some sort were 
on foot in this direction about the time Hooker was making his 
great preparations for the advance. 

The troops confronting Hooker on his arrival in the forest 
country April 29th, were those that were on regular duty guarding 
the Fords and approaches all along the Rappahannock down to 



36 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Fredericksburg. Stonewall Jackson held the line from Port 
Royal to Hamilton's Crossing below Fredericksburg. The front 
line from Hamilton's Crossing to Bank's Ford (two miles north 
of Salem Church) was guarded by General McLaws. All Fords 
northward from Bank's were fortified by a division commanded 
by General Anderson. All parts of that desert country were pa- 
trolled and watched by the cavalry in command of General J. 
E. B. Stuart. This entire line established by General Lee, to 
prevent the Federal army from crossing, was a long one for 
him to hold, and could not be strong at any point. By the vigi- 
lance of his cavalry Lee is said to have been apprised as early 
as the 28th of April (one day after our Army left Brooks Station) 
that Hooker was about crossing the river at Kelley's Ford, and 
on this information, being brought to him by Stuart with whom 
Lee at once advised, Stuart at once started out for Brandy sta- 
tion (on the road from Kelley's Ford to Gordonville) a point he 
thought Hooker's army would pass in order to gain Lee's rear 
and communications with Richmond. Finding his mistake Stuart 
at once made a circuit in the direction of Chancellorsville with the 
intention of impeding Hooker's progress, and thus prevent him 
from attacking Lee's scattered forces then guarding the roads in 
that vicinity. The Fords of Ely and United States were at the 
time guarded by Mahone's and Posey's brigades (as we have 
elsewhere stated). When these Ferry guards learned that Hooker 
was on the roads with a large force they hurriedly fell back 
towards Chancellorsville. Meantime Lee was being informed (at 
Fredericksburg, his head-quarters) that the Federal army had 
effected a crossing and at once sent up more troops to meet 
Hooker. Wright's brigade from Fredericksburg arrived. An- 
derson seeing the situation had already anticipated Hooker's ap- 
proach and had retired to a good position near the Tabernacle 
Church, and began entrenching. 

Meantime Sickles' Corps (3d) had been ordered down from 
Hartwood Church (some distance north of the United States 
Ford), marched toward Fredericksburg on the north side of 
the river and encamped near Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. 



WHAT HOOKER FOUND IN THE DESERT 37 

but on the 30th was ordered back to take position as a reserve 
near Chancellorsville. His army was composed of about 20,000 
men. On the evening of the 30th (according to good authority) 
Lee, still in Fredericksburg, was ignorant of Hooker's plan. 
Meantime Sedgwick's feint, opposite Lee's headquarters, kept 
both Jackson and Lee busy guessing Sedgwick's intentions. The 
astute Lee, to meet the possibility of Sedgwick's ruse, and at 
the same time acting on the intelligence just brought him by Stuart, 
that Hooker was at Chancellorsville in heavy force, sent up 
troops to meet Hooker. Jackson was at the time at Moss Creek, 
below Hamilton's Crossing, and was ordered to go by forced 
march to Chancellorsville, where his men arrived at 10 a. m. 
Friday morning, May 1st. Having set his troops in motion, Jack- 
son rode swiftly and arrived in the neighborhood of the en- 
trenchments of Anderson at 8 a. m. McLaws having gotten an 
earlier start, arrived at about the same time as Jackson. Jack- 
son at once began the study of the situation, stopped all work 
on the entrenchments which had been hastily thrown up during 
the night of the 30th. and at once planned for aggressive work. 
About the time of Jackson's arrival, the Union cavalry under 
Pleasanton were engaging Anderson's pickets. 

Hooker had now 64,000 men in the vicinity of Chancellorsville. 
and all the troops of Lee, except Early's division of Jackson's 
Corps, and a brigade of McLaw's division of Longstreet's Corps 
which were left to hold Fredericksburg against Sedgwick, were 
now confronting Hooker. Hooker had ordered an attack for 
Friday morning 11 o'clock. (My Diary makes a record of our 
Regiment going out towards Chancellorsville about 9 a. m. and 
soon returning to former position). Doubleday says that Hooker 
started out to meet Lee in 4 columns ; that Slocum. followed by 
Howard, took the Plank Road on the right ; Sykes' division of 
Meade's Corps, followed by Hancock's division of Couch's 
Corps, went by the Turnpike in the center ; the remainder of 
Meade's Corps. — Griffin's division — followed by that of Hum- 
phrey's, took the River Road. French's division of Couch's 
Corps turned off towards Todd's Tavern. Each column was 



38 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



headed by a detachment of Pleasanton's Cavalry. One brigade of 
Sickles' Corps was sent to Dowdall's Tavern (known as Melzi 




_ ' ;"■ •'_: 






£ o 



Chancellor's house) and another brigade (of Sickles') was left 
at the United States Ford to guard against Fitzhugh Lee's 
Cavalry. 



WHAT HOOKER FOUND IN THE DESERT 39 

This was the situation around Chancellorsville on the morning 
of May i. The chiefs of both armies were now coming face to 
face. As the 153d Regiment was posted on the extreme right, 
and all troops were obliged to move in very close columns and 
through the only road on the line on which the Corps was posted 
through that dense woods, the right of the Eleventh Corps de- 
ploying would not get very far down toward Chancellorsville. 
Our regiment was not only the last one on the right of the Corps, 
but was formed at right angles and in that position was exposed 
to the heavy mass of the enemy approaching from the west. 

There seem often unknown reasons for failure in military 
operations while no mortal man can prove that there has not 
been interposition of Divine Providence. That this was so in 
the indecisive battle of Chancellorsville one can readily accept. 
In such cases it is often of great importance to reserve all judg- 
ment as to the issue until another or other engagements have 
occurred. 

Hooker's plan, magnificent as it was, and without parallel, em- 
braced too much when it contemplated the destruction of the en- 
tire army of Northern Virginia. He did not sufficiently count 
on the powerful stimulus that moved the Confederate Army 
at that stage of the war. He had not been sufficiently impressed 
with the awful impulse that was leading them to desperation 
because they felt that they had far more to lose than we had to 
gain at that perilous hour. The defeats of the Federal Army had 
been, to a considerable extent depressing to the loyal people of 
the Union, but not sufficiently so to fully arouse them to the 
danger of losing their cause. Such was the preponderance of 
national power on account of the larger military and of the 
great resources of the North, that no fears were entertained by 
Hooker that the North would not be able to put down the Re- 
bellion. It was evidently in the mind of Hooker that with an 
army twice the size of Lee's he ought to be victorious, for on 
no other account could his sanguinary address to his troops, just 
before the battle be explained. 

It cannot be gainsaid that the extreme right of the line of 



40 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Hooker, where the 153d was posted at the time of Jackson's at- 
tack, was weak and most defenseless in respect of a surprise by 
a large force, having had but the merest apology of a barricade 
made of a few slashed trees, and the ground where the Gilsa 
brigade was posted was wholly impassable for cavalry and ar- 
tillery, it must also be remembered that the density of the 
thicket prevented the seeing of an enemy one rod ahead of the 
line. It is also significant that so far as the number of men and 
their efficiency were concerned this part of the line held by the 
153d Regiment was as strong defensively as much of the main 
line from Chancellorsville to the angle formed by the 153d in 
the woods. The main difficulty arose from the uncertainty of 
Jackson's detour. If an attack of that nature had been known 
(not as a possibility) positively, Hooker would no doubt have 
made disposition to meet it. The post would not have been 
left without heavy breastworks and redoubts on flank, and the 
support of another corps. 

The fact that early on Saturday morning Hooker and Sickles 
rode along the entire line for inspection, and that the command- 
ing General suggested some important changes on the line of the 
Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, and recommended increase of re- 
serves in some places, and closed with the oft-quoted words, 
"please advance your pickets for purposes of observation, as far 
as may be safe, in order to obtain timely information on the ap- 
proach of the enemy," absolutely settled nothing. All that his ad- 
vice covered, Gen. Howard says, was immediately done. The tes- 
timony is that detachments from Gilsa's brigade went far 
out for observation. Their first relief and return to the line was 
not fully accomplished before the enemy was upon them in 
force. Their contact with videttes had been the intimation that 
the enemy was feeling the locality and possible strength of the 
Federal army. From a number of reports from various Con- 
federate officers since the war the whole wooded territory be- 
tween Chancellorsville and the Furnace one and a half miles 
south of the plank road, and all intervening forest country in 
front of the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, on Friday swarmed 



WHAT HOOKER FOUND IN THE DESERT 41 

with fragments of infantry organizations, couriers, artillery 
cavalry, videttes, and the usual attendants of an army, and that 
all movements and skirmishings had reference to the finding and 
attack of the Federal army. All day Friday Jackson was busy 
organizing, directing, disposing his forces under the various com- 
manders, and completing his plans for the famous detour. Lee's 
opinion that Hooker's position, from the nature of t]ie country, 
and the strong fortifications he had built, was impregnable, was 
the primary cause of Jackson's march around to the rear of 
Hooker. In the scheme of Jackson there was also laid the plan 
of gaining the roads north of Chancellorsville by way of cutting 
off Hooker from means of retreat across the Rappahannock. 
This course was very evident in the act of Stuart's cavalry 
forces maneuvering in the region of the fords, at the same time 
that Jackson was driving the broken columns of the right of 
Hooker's army. General Howard has informed the writer that 
General Fitzhugh Lee told him since the war that Jackson's lines 
would not have extended beyond von Gilsa's right had not he from 
his (Fitzhugh Lee's) reconnoitering ascertained the exact location 
of Gilsa and that as soon as he did so he informed Jackson and 
guided him to the extreme right, and that by this timely infor- 
mation the enemy over-lapped Gilsa's right and the 153d by at 
least a quarter of a mile. This accounts for the appearance of 
Confederates firing upon our fleeing troops from the north. 

While Jackson lay suffering pain from his wounds on Satur- 
day night, he gave Hill, his successor, a last order which un- 
doubtedly had reference to the theory that much of his detour 
plan embraced cutting off Hooker from the Rappahannock cross- 
ings. He said to Hill: 'Tress them; cut them off from the 
United States ford, Hill; press them." It is plainly shown also 
that it was part of Jackson's plan to draw in all his forces and 
drive Hooker to a centralized point at or near the fields of the 
White house. 



42 HISTORY OF THE) 153D REGT. 

The Enemy's Side of the Story. 

To assist the reader in grasping the key to the true situation 
on the Chancellorsville battleground, and what the Federal army 
had to confront, I produce the report of General Lee : 

"Headquarters, Guiney's Station, Va., May 5, 1863. 

At the close of the battle of Chancellorsville, on Sunday, the enemy 
was reported advancing from Fredricksburg in our rear. General McLaws 
was sent back to arrest his progress, and repulsed him handsomely that 
afternoon at Tabernacle Church. Learning that this force consisted of 
two corps under General Sedgwick, I determined to attack it. Leaving a 
sufficient force to hold General Hooker in check, who had not recrossed 
the Rappahannock, as was reported, but occupied a strong position in front 
of United States Ford, I marched back yesterday with General Anderson, 
and, uniting with McLaws and Early in the afternoon, succeeded by the 
blessing of heaven, in driving General Sedgwick over the river. We 
have reoccupied Fredericksburg, and no enemy remains south of the 
Rappahannock in its vicinity. 

His Excellency President Davis. 

R. E. LEE, General." 

"Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, Sept. 23, 1863. 
General S. Cooper, Adjutant General: 

General : I have the honor to transmit herewith my report of the opera- 
tions of this army from the time the enemy crossed the Rappahannock, 
on April 28, last, to his retreat over the river on the night of May 5, em- 
bracing the battles of Chancellorsville, Salem Church, etc. I also forward 
the reports of the several commanding officers of corps, divisions, brigades 
and regiments, and the returns of the medical and ordnance departments, 
together with a map, etc. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

R. E. LEE, General." 

The following are extracts of General Lee's complete report, 
dated September 21, 1863: 

"After the battle of Fredericksburg, (December, 1862,) the army re- 
mained encamped on the south side of the Rappahannock until the latter 



THE ENEMY'S SIDE OF THE STORY 43 

part of April.... two brigades were. .. .stationed near the United States 
Mine (or Bark Mill) Ford, and a third guarded Bank's Ford . . . the 
cavalry was distributed on both flanks, Fitzhugh Lee's brigade picketing 
the Rappahannock above the mouth of the Rapidan, and W. H. F. Lee's 
near Port Royal . . . Hampton's brigade had been sent into the interior 
to recruit. General Longstreet, with two divisions of his corps, was de- 
tached for service south of the James river . . . With the exception of 
the engagement between Fitzhugh Lee's brigade and the enemy's cavalry 
near Kelley's Ford March 17, nothing of interest transpired during this 
period of inactivity. 

On April 14, intelligence was received that the enemy's cavalry was con- 
centrating on the Upper Rappahannock. Their efforts to establish them- 
selves on the south side of the river were successfully resisted. About 
(April) the 21st, small bodies of infantry appeared at Kelley's Ford and 
the Rappahannock bridge, and almost at the same time a demonstration 
was made opposite Port Royal (below Fredericksburg) where a party of 
infantry crossed the river about the 23rd. These movements were evi- 
dently intended to conceal the design of the enemy, but, taken in connec- 
tion with the reports of scouts, indicated that the Federal Army, now 
commanded by Major-General Hooker, was about to resume active 
operations.* 

At 5.30 a. m. on April 28, the enemy crossed the Rappahannock in 
boats near Fredericksburg, and, driving off the pickets on the river, pro- 
ceeded to lay pontoon bridges a short distance below the mouth of Deep 
Run. Later in the afternoon another bridge was constructed about a 
mile below the first . . . our dispositions were accordingly made . . . 
no demonstration was made opposite any other part of our lines at 
Fredericksburg, and the strength of the force that had crossed and its 
apparent indisposition to attack indicated that the principal effort would 
be made in some other quarter. This impression was confirmed by in- 
telligence received from General Stuart that a large body of infantry and 
artillery was passing up the river (these were our corps which left Brook's 
Station on the 27th of April on the march to Kelley's Ford) . . during 
the forenoon of the 29th, that officer (Stuart) reported that the enemy 
had crossed in force, near Kelley's Ford on the preceding evening. Later 
in the day he announced that a heavy column was moving from Kelley's 

*Editor's notes in parentheses. 



44 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

to Germanna Ford on the Rapidan. and another toward Ely's Ford (those 
troops crossing at the Germanna Ford were the Eleventh and Twelfth 
Corps, and those crossing the Ely's Ford the Fifth Corps under Meade) . 
The routes they were pursuing after they crossed the Rapidan converge 
near Chancellorsville, where several roads lead to the rear of our position 
at Fredericksburg. 

On the night of the 29th, General Anderson was directed to proceed 
toward Chancellorsville. and dispose Wright's brigade and the troops from 
the Bark Mill Ford(Mahone and Posey's) to cover these roads. Arriving at 
Chancellorsville about midnight, he found the commands of Generals Ma- 
hone and Posey already there, having been withdrawn from the Bark 
Mill Ford, with the exception of a small guard. Learning that the enemy 
had crossed the Rapidan, and were approaching in strong force. General 
Anderson retired early on the morning of the 30th, to the intersection of 
the Mine and Plank roads, near Tabernacle Church, (a mile or more south- 
east of Chancellorsville) and began to entrench himself. The enemy's 
cavalry (Pleasanton's) skirmished with his rear guard as he left Chan- 
cellorsville. The enemy in our front near Fredericksburg continued in- 
active, and it was now apparent that the main attack would be made on 
flank and rear. It was therefore determined to leave sufficient troops to 
hold our lines (at Fredericksburg) and with the main body of the army 
to give battle to the approaching column . . . and at midnight on the 
30th. General McLaws moved with the rest of his command toward Chan- 
cellorsville. General Jackson followed at dawn next morning with the 
remaining divisions of his corps. He reached the position occupied by 
General Anderson at 8 a. m. and immediately began preparations to ad- 
vance." 



Skirmishings. 

These preparations with all day skirmishings of the cavalry and 
infantry along the entire southern front of our line on the plank 
road to ascertain our position and strength, made the impression 
upon us (privates) as we lay in the woods on the extreme right, 
that a constant battle was going on somewhere. Meantime dur- 
ing the night Wilcox's brigade had been ordered back to guard 
Bank's Ford. 



THE WOUNDING OF JACKSON 45 

The Wounding of Jackson. 

A very singular incident, and one fraught with momentous 
consequences, occurred at the time of the wounding of General 
Jackson. It was at this very time that the rebel General Stuart 
was busy on our rear to cut us off the road to Ely's Ford. Also 
at the same time General Hill was wounded. Both Jackson and 
Hill being disabled at about the same time, it necessitated calling 
for General Stuart, who was at that very hour engaged in his mis- 
chievous work distributing his cavalry forces on our rear to pre- 
vent our retreat. It was with great difficulty that Stuart found 
his way through the darkness and dense wilderness to come to 
the scene where Jackson had been injured and to assume com- 
mand. We quote from Lee's Report : 

"Upon General Stuart's arrival, soon afterwards, the command was 
turned over to him by General Hill. He immediately proceeded to re- 
connoiter the ground and make himself acquainted with the disposition 
of the troops. The darkness of the night and the difficulty of moving 
through the woods and undergrowth rendered it advisable to defer opera- 
tions until morning, and the troops rested on their arms in line of battle." 

Jackson and Hill had not been good friends, but there in the 
darkness the Great Stonewall Jackson "buried the hatchet," made 
no mention of old scores and asked Hill to assume command of 
his demoralized and broken corps. Captain Taylor, now a 
resident of the Taylor Hill mansion, near Fredericksburg, inform- 
ed the writer (on a visit at his home) that at the time Jackson 
was wounded he (Taylor) was a guide on Hill's personal staff 
while the rebel troops occupied the wilderness, and that he 
with others who were natives of that section rendered service 
of pointing out the byways and paths of that wooded country. 
Taylor told the writer that he was present at the time when 
Jackson's first divisions arrived in the rear of the nth Corps 
on Saturdav afternoon, and that the advance was made almost 
immediately on the arrival of Jackson's first division. He also 
stated that General Hill was bending over the wounded Jackson 



46 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

trying to assist him when Hill himself received the wound which 
disabled him also. 

The writer distinctly recollects having heard on Sunday of 
the wounding of Jackson and that it was done by accident by 
his own men. This intelligence came to us on the following day 
after its occurrence. 



Account by Captain Owen Rice. 

Captain Owen Rice, giving an account of the activities 
of the armies on Friday and Saturday, says: "Recalled 
from the lines above Port Royal, Jackson at 8 a. m. 
had effected a junction with Anderson and McLaws, now front- 
ing our center and left. An advance of less than three miles 
east of Chancellorsville, therefore found the enemy. But no 
sooner had the more open country solved the difficulties of de- 
ployment, and rendered available all divisions in hand ; no sooner 
had the enemy's lines unmasked and a strong fighting position 
been attained, than as sudden a return to the wilderness was 
commanded, the brimming enthusiasm of the men cast down, 
every coigne of vantage resigned, the reserve artillery, at Bank's 
Ford, distanced by twelve miles of difficult roads, Sedgwick as 
far removed from support, or supporting relations, and, without 
serious loss or harassing resistance, the columns returned to the 
position last held, with the diverging roads, and open space 
around the Chancellor house as the defensive center. 

The position as skillfully developed by the engineers in the 
semi-confusion of the recall, lay within the wilderness a vast 
tract of forest with occasional and not far-reaching clear- 
ings adjoining the highways and habitations, with thickets, and 
tangled meshes of native shrubbery, fallen trees, interlaced by 
creeping vines, whose rebel tenacity was sedulously asserted, 
thorny shrubs, briars, and festive Christmas holly, blinding pines, 
and lancinating scrub-oaks clustered around the standing timber 
far along the Orange and Culpepper Roads to the West of 



CAUSES OF HOOKER'S DEFEAT 47 

Dowdall's, northward for miles to the Rappahannock, and south- 
ward for leagues to the skirts of Spottsylvania, with irregular 
undulating elevations along the streams. The left securely rest- 
ing on the Rappahannock, and facing eastward was held by 
Meade, the Second Corps prolonging the line southward to the 
Turnpike with Hancock's division well thrust forward on an 
eminence overlooking Mott Run ; and then curving westward, 
the line, in front of Fair View, held by Slocum's (12th) Corps, 
faced southward, on a bold elevation, flanked to the west by the 
less elevated but not more commanding Hazel Hill. To the 
west, with an interval of at least two divisions' fronts, in echelon 
to Slocum and in front of the Plank Road, the Eleventh Corps 
prolonged the south front to a point at which the road forked 
into the Orange Road to southwest, and the Culpepper Road to 
the northwest." 



Causes of Hooker's Defeat. 

In Harper's "History of the Great Rebellion" appears an ac- 
count of Hooker's defeat, of which we can say as Horace Greely 
did of startling articles presented to him, "Important if true." I 
adduce the following extracts from the Harper History as a 
sample of the legion of "expert testimony" witnesses in the case. 
The writers who never saw a battle have often been the most 
rhetorical and have labored hardest to show the novel reader 
how impossibilities ought to have been mastered. We are com- 
pelled to have far less respect for the man who persistently 
blames certain officers for the blunder of that battle, than we 
have for the men on whom the odium has been cast. The writer 
cannot be convinced that any of the Generals were designing men 
or willfully negligent on that momentous occasion. The narra- 
tor says : 

"There was not, in fact, any moment between Thursday afternoon and 
Tuesday morning when success was not wholly within the grasp of the 
Union army." 



48 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

This statement expresses an opinion; that is all. The corre- 
spondent continues: "The movement by which Chancellorsville 
was reached, and the Confederate position rendered worthless, 
was brilliantly conceived and admirably executed. The initial 
error by which alone all else was rendered possihle, 
was that halt at Chancellorsville. Had the march been 
continued for an hour longer, or even been resumed on the fol- 
lowing morning, the army would have got clear of the wilderness 
without meeting any great opposing force, and then would have 
been in position where its great superiority of numbers would 
have told. 

The rout of Howard's Corps was possible only from the gross- 
est neglect of all military precautions. Jackson after a toilsome 
march of ten hours, halted for three hours in open ground, not 
two miles from the Union lines. A single picket, sent a mile 
up a broad road, would have discovered the whole movement 
in ample time for Howard to have strengthened his position or to 
have withdrawn from it without loss. The blame of this surprise 
cannot, however, fairly be laid upon Hooker. He had a right to 
presume that whoever was in command there would have picketed 
his lines so as to prevent the possibility of being surprised in 
broad daylight. But even here as it was, the disaster to the 
Eleventh Corps should have had no serious effect upon the 
general result. That was fully remedied when the pursuit was 
checked. On Sunday morning Hooker was in a better position 
than he had been the evening before. He had lost three thousand 
men and had been strengthened by 17,000, and now has 78,000 
to oppose to 47,000. The Confederate army could reunite only 
by winning a battle or by a day's march. The only thing which 
could have lost the battle of the day was the abandonment of 
the position at Hazel Grove, for from this alone was it possible 
to enfilade Slocum's line. But surely it is within the limits of 
military forethought that a general who has occupied a position 
for two days and three nights should have discovered the very 
key to that position, when it lay within a mile of his own head- 
quarters. The disabling of Hooker could not. indeed, have been 



EXTRACT: O. O. HOWARD 49 

foreseen; but such an accident might happen to any commander 
upon any field ; and there should have been somewhere some man 
with authority to have, within the space of three hours, brought 
into action some of the more than thirty thousand men within 
sound, and almost within sight, of the battle then raging. How 
the hours from Sunday noon till night were wasted has been 
shown. Hooker indeed, reiterates that he could not assail the 
Confederate lines through the dense forests. But Lee broke 
through those very woods on Sunday, and was minded to at- 
tempt it again on Wednesday, when he found that the enemy 
had disappeared. The golden opportunity was lost, never to be 
recovered, and the Confederate army of Northern Virginia gain- 
ed a new lease of life." 

The comment the writer has to make on the above quotation is 
brief for the reason that what elsewhere appears on this subject 
will refute some of the strong statements of the Harper authority, 
while the other will be confirmed. It should be very gratifying to 
the reader to be allowed to hear what the men have to say who 
conducted the conflict. Among the many excellent articles in a 
work entitled the "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," pub- 
lished in 1894, the Century Magazine people have given very 
clever accounts by the generals who participated in the battles. 
The following extracts are by Howard : 



Extract: 0. 0. Howard. 

"The country around Chancellorsville for the most part is wilderness, 
with but here and there an opening. If we consult the recent maps (no 
good ones existed before the battle), we notice that the two famous 
rivers, the Rapidan and the Rappahannock, join at a point due north of 
Chancellorsville, thence the Rappahannock runs easterly for two miles, 
till suddenly at the United States Ford it turns and flows south for * 
mile and a half, and then, turning again, completes a horse shoe bend. 
Here, on the south shore, was General Hooker's battle-line on the morning 
of the 2d of May, 1863. Here his five army corps, those of Meade, 
Slocum, Couch, Sickles, and Howard, were deployed. The face was 
4 



50 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

toward the south, and the ranks mainly occupied a ridge nearly parallel 
with the Rapidan 

Our opponents, under General Robert E. Lee, the evening before, were 
about two miles distant toward Fredericksburg, and thus between us and 
Sedgwick. Lee had immediately with him the divisions of McLaws, An- 
derson, Rodes, Colston, and A. P. Hill, besides some cavalry under 
Stuart. He held for his line of battle, a comparative short front between 
the Rappahannock and the Catherine Furnace, not exceeding two miles 
and a half in extent. His right wing, not far from the river, was be- 
hind Mott Run, which flows due east, and his left was deployed along 
the Catherine Furnace road. 

Could Hooker, on the first day of May, have known Lee's exact loca- 
tion he never could have had a better opportunity for taking the offen- 
sive. But he did not know, and after the few troops advancing toward 
Fredericksburg had met the approaching enemy he ordered all back to 
the 'old position,' the Chancellorsville line. . . . On the preceding Thurs- 
day . . . the right wing . . . Meade's, Slo-cum's and mine ... by 4 
o'clock in the afternoon had reached the vicinity of Chancellorsville, where 
Slocum. who was the senior commander present, established his head- 
quarters. I, approaching from Germanna Ford, halted my divisions at 
Dowdall's Tavern and encamped there. Then I rode along the Plank 
road through the almost continuous forest to the Chancellorsville House. 
There I reported to Slocum. He said that the orders were for me to 
cover the right of the general line, posting my command near Dowdall's 
Tavern. He pointed to a place on the map marked 'Mill' near there on a 
branch of the Hunting Run, and said, 'Establish your right there.' Gen- 
eral Slocum promised, with the 12th Corps, to occupy the place between 
his headquarters and Dowdall's clearing, but, finding the distance too 
great, one of his division commanders sent me word that I must cover 
the last three-quarters of a mile of the Plank road. This was done by a 
brigade of General Steinwehr, the commander of my left division, though 
with regret on our part, because it required all the Corps' reserves to fill 
up that gap. The so-called Dowdall's Tavern was at that time the home 
of Melzi Chancellor. ... I placed my headquarters at his house. In 
front of me, facing south along a curving ridge, the right of Steinwehr's 
division was located. He had but two brigades. Barlow on the Plank 
road and Buschbeck on his right. With them Steinwehr covered a mile, 



EXTRACT: 0. 0. HOWARD 5 1 

leaving but two regiments for reserve. These he put some two hundred 
yards to his rear, near the little Wilderness Church. 

Next to Steinwehr, toward our right, came General Carl Schurz's di- 
vision. First was Captain Dilger's battery . . . his guns pointed to 
the southwest and west, along the Orange Plank Road. Next was 
Krzyzanowski's brigade, about half on the front and half in reserve. 
Schurz's right brigade was that of Schimmelphenning, disposed in the same 
manner, a part deployed and the remainder kept a few hundred yards 
back for a reserve. Schurz's front line of infantry extended along the 
old turnpike and faced to the southwest. The right division of the Corps 
was commanded by General Charles Devens. Devens and I together 
had carefully reconnoitered both Orange Plank Road and the old Turn- 
pike for at least three miles toward the west. . . . He established his 
division — the Second Brigade, under McLean, next to Schurz's first, and 
then pushing on the pike for half a mile he deployed the other, Gilsa's at 
right angles facing west, connecting his two parts by a thin skirmish line. 
Colonel Gilsa's brigade was afterward drawn back, still facing west, at 
right angles to the line, so as to make a more solid connection, and so 
that, constituting, as it did, the main right flank, the reserve of the Corps 
could be brought up more promptly to its support, by extending its right 
to the north, should an enemy by any possible contingency get so far 
around. A section of Dickmann's battery which looked to the west along 
the old pike was located at the angle. 

The reserve batteries, twelve guns, were put upon a ridge abreast of 
the little church and pointed toward the northwest, with a view to sweep 
all approaches to the north of Gilsa, firing up a gradually ascending slope. 
This ridge, where I stood during the battle, was central, and besides, en- 
abled the artillerymen to enfilade either roadway, or meet an attack from 
south, west, or north. Here epaulments for the batteries were con- 
structed, and cross-entrenchments for battery supports were dug, ex- 
tending from the little church across all the open ground that stretched 
away from the tavern to the right of Deven's line. 

To my great comfort, General Sickles' Corps came up on Friday, May 
1st, and took from our left Steinwehr's three-quarters of a mile of the 
Plank road. Thus he relieved from the front line Barlow's brigade, 
giving me, besides the several division reserves, General Barlow with 1500 
men as a general reserve for the Corps. These were massed near the 



52 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

cross-entrenchments and held avowedly to support the batteries and pro- 
tect General Devens' exposed right flank. 

As to pickets, each division had a good line of them. My aide, Major 
Charles H. Howard, assisted in connecting them between divisions, and 
during the 2nd of May, that fearless and faithful staff-officer, Major 
E. Whittlesey, rode the entire circuit of their front to stimulate them 
to special activity. Those of Devens were 'thrown out at a distance from 
a half-mile to a mile and stretching well around, covering our right flank ;' 
and the picket-posts in front on the pike were over two miles beyond the 
main line. 

Meanwhile the Confederate General Rodes had been reaching his place 
in the wilderness. At 4 p. m. his men were in position; the line of 
battle of his own brigade touched the pike west of us with its right, and 
stretched away to the north ; beyond his brigade came Iverson's in the 
same line. On the right of the pike was Dole's brigade, and to his right 
Colquitt's. One hundred yards to the rear was Trimble's (Colston com- 
manding) with Ramseur on the right following Colquitt . . . followed 
by the division of A. P. Hill. The advance Confederate division had 
more men in it than there were in the Eleventh Corps now in position. 
Counting the ranks of this formidable column, beginning with the en- 
veloping skirmish line, we find seven, besides the 3 ranks of file-closers. 
Many of them were brought into such a position by the entanglements of 
the forest, and gave our men the idea that battalions were formed in 
close columns doubled on the center. With as little noise as possible, a 
little after 5 p. m., the steady advance of the enemy began. Its first 
lively effects, like a cloud of dust driven before a coming shower, ap- 
peared in the startled rabbits, squirrels, quail, etc." 




WHY LEE DID NOT FOLLOW UP OUR RETIREMENT 53 

Why Lee Did Not Follow Up Our Retirement Across the River. 

Our forces having drawn toward the United States Ford, the 
place which Hooker had previously selected for the crossing in 
case of defeat, very naturally had strong earthworks thrown up 
for final defense. 

Doubleday says : 

"Our front gradually melted away and passed to the new line in the 
rear through Humphrey's division of the Fifth Corps, which was posted 
about half a mile north of the Chancellorsville House in the edge of the 
thicket, to cover the retreat. At last only indomitable Hancock (Penn- 
sylvania's gallant son) remained, fighting McLaws with his front line, and 
keeping back Stuart and Anderson with his rear line. 

The enemy, Jackson's Corps, showed little disposition to follow up this 
success. The fact is, these veterans were about fought out, and became 
almost inert. They did not, at the last, even press Hancock, who was 
still strong in artillery, and withdrew his main body in good order. 

Stuart's command had lost 7500 in his attack, and it could hardly have 
resisted a fresh force if it had been thrown in. General William Hays, 
of the Second Corps, who was taken prisoner, says they (the rebels) were 
worn out, and Rodes admits in his report that Jackson's veterans clung 
to their entrenchments, and that Ramseur and others who passed them, 
urged them to go forward in vain. 

The new line thus taken up by the Union Army was a semi-ellipse with 
the left resting on the Rappahannock and the right on the Rapidan. Its 
center was at Bullock's House, about three-fourths of a mile north of 
Chancellorsville. The approaches were well guarded with artillery, and 
the line partially entrenched. The enemy did not assail it. They made 
a reconnoissance in the afternoon, but Weed's artillery at the appex of 
the line was too strongly posted to be forced, and Lee soon found other 
employment for his troops, for Sedgwick was approaching to attack his 
rear." 

Lee in his Report, dated September 21, 1863, says of this 
situation : 

"The enemy was driven from all its fortified positions, with heavy loss 
in killed, wounded and prisoners, and retreated toward the Rappahannock. 



54 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

By 10 a. m. we were in full possession of the field. The 
troops, having become somewhat scattered by the difficulties of the 
ground and the ardor of the contest, were immediately reformed pre- 
paratory to renewing the attack. The enemy had withdrawn to a strong 
position nearer to the Rappahannock, which he had previously 
fortified. His superiority of numbers, the unfavorable nature of the 
ground, which was densely wooded, and the condition of our troops after 
the arduous and sanguinary conflict in which they had been engaged, ren- 
dered great caution necessary. Our preparations were just completed 
when further operations were arrested by intelligence received from Fred- 
ericksburg." 

As soon as the operations in the enemy's rear toward Fred- 
ericksburg, where Sedgwick was pressing them, were over, and 
Fredericksburg had been evacuated by the Union troops, and 
Lee learned that our position was well fortified around the United 
States Ford, it was deemed inexpedient for him to assail our 
forces with less than the whole rebel army, which, as Lee says, 
could not be concentrated until they were relieved from the 
danger which threatened them in the direction toward Fredericks- 
burg. Accordingly on the 4th (Monday) Anderson was directed 
to join McLaws to impede Sedgwick's approach, the three di- 
visions of Jackson meantime remaining in onr front about Chan- 
cellorsville. On the morning of the 5th the discovery was made 
that Sedgwick had recrossed the river below Bank's Ford, had 
taken up his pontoons, so that Anderson and McLaws were hur- 
ried back to Chancellorsville. They reached their destination dur- 
ing the afternoon of the 5th. They tell it that preparations were 
made to assail us on the morning of the 6th, and that on advancing 
their skirmishers they found that under cover of the storm and 
the darkness of the night our armies had retreated over the river. 



THE THREE DAYS BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 55 

The Three Days Battle of Gettysburg. 

Gettysburg has long contributed its epic story and added its 
stars to the galaxy of distinguished warriors, and will for many 
years to come be a fruitful theme in history for the school boy 
and the statesman. Modestly for ourselves, but more for the 
glory of our Commonwealth, we wish to add the record of our 
part in the achievements of that world- famed battle. 

On that ever memorable forced march from Emmitsburg on 
the 1st day of July, 1863, we soon became aware that in our 
northward move the time and place of collision with Lee's army 
was imminently near, but his destination was uncertain. How- 
ever, the reconnoissance of Pleasanton's cavalry had made cap- 
ture of a recent order by Lee affording valuable information to 
Meade concerning Lee's proposed invasion of Pennsylvania. 
Meantime Stuart in command of the Confederate cavalry was 
making his famous raid and his great detour and separation from 
the infantry gave Lee some alarm. Meade's plan was twofold. 
He kept in mind the protection of Baltimore and Washington, 
and at the same time sought the whereabouts of the Confederate 
army with the purpose of giving battle. 

Early July 1st, two brigades of our cavalry, under command of 
General Buford, arrived in Gettysburg, much to the joy of the 
excited citizens, who had been visited the day before by some 
rebel soldiers. They had come in from the western direction, 
appearing in the neighborhood of the Lutheran Seminary. The 
object of their coming to town was to look for supplies, especially 
shoes. After examining the town and its surroundings through 
their field glasses they returned to Cashtown, about seven miles 
distant, leaving their pickets within a few miles of the town. 

Having in the meantime learned from some citizens, that the 
Army of the Potomac was moving in the direction, Lee at once 
ordered the concentration of his troops who were scattered in var- 
ious places. On the evening of June 30th, they were encamped as 
follows: A. P. Hill on the Chambersburg turnpike, with two of 
his divisions near Cashtown. and the Third division (Anderson's) 



56 HISTORY OK THE 153D REGT. 

at Fayetteville. Ewell (Second Corps) was at Heidelburg, with- 
in cloven miles, lie had just returned from his. visit of York, 
Carlisle, and the vicinity of the Susquehanna river. The Third 
Corps was at Chambersburg. Lee's headquarters, twenty- four 
miles away. The cavalry in command oi the ubiquitous Gen. 
Stuart, was widely scattered, closing out a great detour to join 
the main army. 

The Federal troops under General Meade, who had been placed 
in command of our forces two days before, were also scattered 
over a wide territory. Immediately on his appointment, Meade 
had it in mind that the collision with Lee would take place at 
Clay Pipe Creek, twelve miles below Gettysburg. 

Buford, with nothing but his cavalry to meet the approaching 
troops of the enemy, knowing that the Eleventh Corps, under 
General O. O. Howard, and the First Corps (Reynolds) were 
not far away, decided to resist the rebel advance he found at 
Gettysburg. Reynolds was on the Emmitsburg road about five 
miles below Gettysburg, and 1 toward was at Emmitsburg. 

Before proceeding farther with the account of the initial move- 
ments leading up to the great battle it will be of intense interest 
to the reader to be informed on two very important questions 
at this stage of the impending battle. First, bow Lee came to 
turn back from his advanced position near the Capitol of our 
State, and select Gettysburg as the possible place to meet the 
Union Army; and in the second inquiry, how .Meade learned 
of the intentions and concentration of Lee. 

First of all. "Maryland. My Maryland." did not dance to his 
piping. On the approach of the grand Rebel army she did not 
"breathe" out her loyal sentiments, as he hoped she would. Lee 
was sadly disappointed in her conduct. He had mentioned in 
every order to his troops not to maraud her homes, and plunder 
her stores, but to buy her provisions and pay for them in 
Confederate scrip, or give a Davis Receipt for the purchase. He 
had counted on a secret movement behind the Blue Ridge and 
only guarded the gaps with sufficient cavalry to conceal his march. 







ft 



1 



T . . . . • --^ 



' ii'MiinT'' a.i^ 



General Meade. 



the; three days battle of Gettysburg 57 

For the subsistence of his vast army after entering northern soil 
he relied upon the forage of the country, and for that reason as 
well as that of the concealment of his troops, his forces moved in 
somewhat detached form. He was ignorant of the location and 
movements of Hooker up to within a few days of the last of June. 
Lee had touched over one hundred towns, villages and places of 
encampment in reaching the fertile fields of the Keystone State. 
His great army had come into the "Land flowing with milk and 
honey." How rich a boon for those half-starved, emaciated 
soldiers of whose condition their great General Longstreet, in his 
"History of the Army of Northern Virginia," spoke in the follow- 
ing words : "General Lee was actually so crippled by his victory 
(Chancellorsville), that he was a full month restoring his army 
to condition to take the field." There is scarcely a report of the 
many made by General Lee, which does not make mention of the 
direful misfortune which might overtake his army if cut off from 
its base of supplies, and with great urgency commands all forage 
not needed to be conveyed to Richmond with all surplus baggage 
and equippage. He was now getting slowly into northern en- 
vironments. The atmosphere was not as exhilarating as he had 
hoped to find. The "genial gods" had not completed their work 
for his early reception, and a raging storm was now threatening 
his safety. Several incidents combined to give him a chill. 
Thoughts of home (Richmond) the defenseless citadel he had 
stripped to swell his marauding army, caused feelings of grow- 
ing apprehension for the safety of the lives, the treasures, the 
archives of the Capitol of the tottering Confederacy. The sym- 
pathy and fleets he vainly hoped for, which were secretly con- 
ditioned on his successful establishment of his army on Northern 
soil, did not now seem so near coming his way. He was not 
unaware that the Federal Capitol was relying on the Army of 
the Potomac for its protection and in repeated appeals to his 
Confederate dignitaries urged the organization of an army at 
Culpepper with a double purpose of calling off Hooker from 
the defenses of the Federal Capitol, and from an attack of Rich- 
mond. Winchester and Martinsburg were at the time being held 
by Hooker as outposts, and neither of them of great defensive 



58 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

value. Hooker, after a most successful parallel march, between 
the enemy and the cities of Baltimore and Washington, faithfully 
protected these important places and harassed the enemy's line 
of communication with Richmond, a possible event about which 
Lee was ever the most sensitive. For this purpose, however, 
Hooker had dispatched Slocum in support of French (at Harper's 
Ferry on the 26th) and now desiring to take more aggressive 
measures respecting Lee's movements, applied to the authorities 
at Washington for permission to take up the garrison at Har- 
per's Ferry and with the combined troops of French and Slocum, 
attack Lee's rear, meantime preserving their own line of retreat. 
Hooker's request was denied and he accordingly resented this 
bold refusal and offered his resignation, which was accepted. On 
the same day (June 28th) George G. Meade was appointed to 
command the Army of the Potomac. 

On the same date (June 28th) in a communication of even date, 
Jefferson Davis, President at Richmond, refers to a letter from 
Lee, in which the following words occur : 

"I wish to have every man that can be spared, and desire that Cooke's 
Brigade may be sent forward . . . if it is not needed at Richmond. I think 
there will be no necessity for keeping a large number of troops at that 
place, especially if the plan of assembling an army at Culpepper Court 
House, under Beauregard, be adopted." 

In answer to this and in keeping with the many other alarming 
letters respecting affairs at Yicksburg, and other points at the 
South, and of the safety of Richmond, Lee says: 

"Wise's Brigade is as you left it, engaged in the defense of Richmond, 
and serving in the country east of the city. The enemy have been reported 
in large force at White House, with indications of an advance on Rich- 
mond. Your advance increases our want of cavalry on the north and 
east of the city. General Elzey is positive that the enemy intends to at- 
tack here. Do not understand me as balancing accounts in the matter of 
brigades ; I only repeat that I have not many to send you, and enough to 
form an army to threaten, if not capture, Washington, as soon as it is 
uncovered by Hooker's army." 



THE THREE DAYS BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 59 

There can be no doubt that these are among the strongest rea- 
sons for Lee's pause in his northward movement. Lee had an 
eye on the two cities — Philadelphia and Washington — but for 
very timely information that Hooker had crossed the Potomac, 
and was concentrating in a way to cause him alarm, Lee might 
have had courage enough to continue his advance. It is reported 
that this reverse intelligence was furnished him by some stray 
countryman, and upon learning that some late dispositions of the 
Federal army would endanger his rear and communications with 
Richmond, had changed his mind. While his further stay in the 
country amid blooming clover, ripening harvests, delightful climate 
could continue to offer inducements to remain North, it dawned 
on him that he might soon be sadly in need of ammunition from 
what he could learn of certain maneuvers of the enemy ; and that 
such useful articles as shot for heavy ordnance could not be 
easily found in those peaceful regions. His promptness in facing 
about was undoubtedly the culmination of some fears which the 
wise generalship of the astute Hooker helped to create in his 
mind. So far in the gigantic scheme of the infamous invasion, its 
frustration is due to the brilliant "Fighting Joe Hooker," whose 
name and presence had ever been an inspiration to the famous 
Eleventh Corps, and of the Army of the Potomac. His resigna- 
tion was his own suggestion, but the promptness of its acceptance 
has left room for inference that the act was not a matter of re- 
luctance on the part of the chief at the department, who could 
always exceed President Lincoln in the art of severing men's 
connection with the service. 

The second part of the inquiry referred to has respect to how 
Meade learned the intentions of concentration for battle at 
Gettysburg. On investigation it appears that Hooker's scheme 
of attacking Lee's rear in the Cumberland valley, had been put 
into execution. To prevent such attack Lee decided to threaten 
Baltimore, and with this in view ordered his troops to assemble 
at Gettysburg, not knowing at the time that the new commander 
Meade was intent on taking a defensive attitude, which became 
evident when so many of his organizations were ordered to 



6o HISTORY OS TllK [53D REGT. 

Frederick. Hooker (Juno 27th) informs Halleek, General-in- 
Chief at Washington that on that date His army was posted as 
follows: Three corps at Middletown, ten miles away, one corps 
at Knoxville, two at his headquarters at Frederick, and the rest of 
his infantry nearby. On the 27th, the day oi his resignation, Hook- 
er in plain language, boldly again demands the evacuation oi the 
garrison of Harper's Ferry, with a view of utilizing for other 
aggressive work the troops stationed there. Addressing Halleek. 
he says : 

"1 have received your telegram in regard to Harper's Perry. I had 

10,000 men here, in condition to lake the field. Here they are of no 
earthly account. They cannot defend a ford of the river, and, as far as 
Harper's Ferry is concerned, there is nothing of it. As for the fortifica- 
tions, the work of the troops, they remain when the troops are with- 
drawn. Xo enemy will ever take possession of them for them. This is 
tin opinion. All the public property eouKl have been secured tonight and 
the troops marched to where they could have been of some service. Now 
they are but a bait for the rebels, should they return. 1 beg' that this may 
be presented to the Secretary of War and llis Excellency the President." 

(hi the same day Hooker addresses another letter to Halleek 
as follows: 

"Majoi Genera] 11. W. Halleek, General-in-Chief: 

"My original instructions require me tO cover Harper's Terry and 

Washington. 1 have now imposed upon me, in addition, an enemy in my 

front of more than my number. 1 beg to be understood, respect fully, but 

firmly, that I am unable to comply with this condition with the means at 

my disposal, and earnestly request that I may at once be relieved from the 
position 1 OCCUpy. 

JOSEPH HOOKER, Major General" 

The appointment of General Meade is dated on the 28th, and 
this able Commander at once entered upon his new duties with 
real and great and urgent dispatch. Meantime Lee had begun 

the initial work of the concentration of his troops at Oettyshnrg, 
which was destined to he the scenes of the renowned Battlefield. 
Meade retained Butterfield as his chief of staff and at once had 



Tin; THKKK DAYS BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 6l 

every facility offered to gain a full knowledge of the former plans 
of Hooker, some of the best of them being used by Meade. His 
earliest movement in getting the reins of the great campaign was 
to so distribute his forces as to head off the advance troops of 
Lee in the direction of the Susquehanna river, looking to the pro- 
tection of his native city, Philadelphia, as a remote necessity. So 
far as Kwell, and his chief cavalry. General Jenkins, were con- 
cerned, it does not appear that Philadelphia was as much their 
destination as the City of Ilarrishnrg, and possibly adjacent towns. 
The only evil they committed at these places was their appearance 
at Wrightsville, inciting thereby a great stampede and the burn- 
ing of the bridge across the Snscpiehanna at that place. This point 
was some thirteen miles below the Capitol of the State, but 
near enough to also become greatly alarmed. 

The effects of the rebel dash to this extreme point of the in- 
vasion were more widely felt in the Union States than any enter- 




A Cavalry Charge. 

prise in which Lee had been engaged in his hostile designs. How- 
ever he could have engaged in no more sanguine work for the 
downfall of his cause. 

The cavalry are the eyes of an army. The ever vigilant Buford 
saw in the movements of Lee's forces that a Jackson ruse of 
some sort was about to be undertaken by the Confederates. Meade 
was certain that Lee would attempt one of two plans : either ad- 
vance north or attack onr Capitol (Washington) ami Baltimore. 
Meade meanwhile formed a line of defense. His extreme left, 
the First Corps, was at Marsh Creek, and on the Emmitsbnrg 
road, while the 6th Corps I Slocnm's), forming the extreme right, 
was at Manchester, thirty-five miles eastward. The Eleventh Corps 



62 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

(to which the 153d belonged) was now at Emmitsburg, ten 

miles below Gettysburg. The Twelfth Corps was at Two 
Taverns, several miles south of Gettysburg. It was at Taney- 
town where Meade had his Headquarters at the date of his ap- 
pointment to the command of the army in place of Hooker. 
The Second and Third Corps were also with Meade, the latter 
being under orders to go to Gettysburg at once on the first day 
of the battle, and the Fifth Corps was encamped at Hanover, 
about six miles eastward. The main part of our cavalry was 
also in that locality. Meade spent the last two days disposing 
his Corps to move northward in pursuit of Lee. 

The concentration of Confederate troops was now speedily 
ordered by General Lee, who was at Chambersburg. twenty-five 
miles away. This was on the 30th of June. His series of columns 
had at one time extended from Fredericksburg to Winchester — 
one hundred miles. Meade's line was about 50 miles. 

Buford having gotten on the ground early on the 1st, decided 
to resist the advance troops of Hill, and for that purpose had 
advanced his videttes far to the northwest of the town. In the 
fierce attack by the infantry of the enemy Buford dismounted his 
men and engaged the enemy with much spirit, his skirmishers 
and batteries doing effective work on Hill's troops. Buford was 
greatly emboldened in his heroic struggle by the knowledge of 
large forces of the First, Eleventh and Third Corps that had 
been ordered up from Emmitsburg. The Third Corps, under 
Reynold's, at Marsh Creek, having gotten an earlier start 
was the first on the ground to support Buford's cavalry. Rey- 
nolds, having been placed in command of the left wing of the 
army, on the 30th. was chief over three Corps, Doubleday being 
placed over the First Corps. Reynolds proceeded immediately 
to the scene of the battle, leaving the details of calling in pickets, 
ami starting the Corps on the way. He arrived an hour before 
Howard. He had invited Howard to Marsh Run on the evening 
of the 30th, when all orders from Meade were read. 

Buford had been engaged about one hour with the infantry of 
Hill's Corps (Heath's Division) before the arrival of the Federal 



TIIK TllUldv DAYS BATTLE 01? GETTYSBURG 63 

First Corps. Getting now very anxious about his support Buford 
ascended the stairs of the belfry of the Lutheran Theological 
Seminary to look in the direction of Emmitsburg, from whence 
he expected infantry troops to come to his support. In a short 
time he saw the advancing column of the First Corps nearing the 
town. Reynolds, having gone on ahead of the Corps, soon entered 
the town and saw Buford in the steeple and immediately joined 
him in a thorough examination of the ground which this elevated 
position commanded, covering a vast expanse of the undulating 
country in all directions. 

The battle of Gettysburg was on. The Sixth Corps 
(Meade's) was at once ordered up. The Eleventh Corps was 
urged forward from Emmitsburg by forced march (memorable 
with all the boys). The distance was between 10 and 11 
miles and was covered in four hours and a half. Howard 
hurriedly rode through the fields and over fences and when with- 
in a mile of the town of Gettysburg sent Captain Hall of his Staff 
to Reynolds for instructions. The troops had marched 20 miles 
the day before. 

The following is the record I made that day: "Marching 
orders. Started at 8 a. m. Marched swiftly to Gettysburg: 
through town, and immediately into battle. Reinforcements com- 
ing on. Fought all day. General Reynolds killed. Rain part 
of the day." An interesting item or two appears in the records 
of the diary of the three preceding days: "Sunday, 28th. Left 
Burkittsville at 5 a. m., marched to Middletown, to camp. In an 
hour, or more, aroused and by 9 in the evening arrived at Fred- 
erick. A fine day, passed through splendid country, abundant 
wheat and corn crops. General Meade is said to be at the head 
of the army." Monday, 29th, left the neighborhood of Frederick 
early, marched to Kmmitsburg or close by, till (by) sundown. 
Passed through Adamsville. Encamped. A fine day." On the 
30th appears the following: "Moved a mile beyond here. Lay 
in camp all day. Rain part of day. Dress parade." The exact 
hour of our arrival at Gettysburg is still in dispute. The three 
divisions made a long train, and all did not pass over one road — 



64 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



the Emmitsbnrg pike. Only Barlow's followed the 1st Corps. 
Halt of the brigade and regiment with which we were associated, 
was made in the town. Our drum Corps and Band (occupying 






<4> 



,:■ 




E 03 



the front of the regiment), were dismissed at a gate of entrance 
to a field on the extreme north suburb of the town. On the way 
passing to the rear, I looked at the men as they passed me and 




'•^KWd 







6 



General Reynolds. 



THE THREE DAYS BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 65 

saw several of my acquaintances, all of them wearing- a sad 
countenance. I at once retired to the entrance gate of the 
cemetery on Cemetery Hill. 

Tidings of the beginning of the battle were forwarded, by fleet- 
est horses and every means of communication, to every depart- 
ment of the absent armies on both sides. Within the next twelve 
hours the greater portion of the hostile forces were on the ground, 
and the remainder coming on. 

The location could not have been selected for a battle to 
greater advantage. The most gigantic struggle of the war was 
begun, the issue of which was awaited by every citizen of the 
nation with bated breath. Darkness like a pall hung over every 
home. The successive rebel victories at Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville, and the recent reinforcements by the two di- 
visions of Longstreet from the South, and the swelling of Lee's 
army by conscript, had nearly doubled his forces. Tidings of 
these army incidents had greatly enhanced the fears of the North. 

With the permission of the reader we will now proceed with 
the narration of the positions assigned our regiment in the prog- 
ress of the battle, and refer to the accounts of the excitement of 
the Capitol and of our Commonwealth, both of which were 
sufficiently alarmed and stirred to activity to furnish sufficient 
interesting and important recital in separate chapters of our 
history, as will elsewhere appear. 

In confirmation of the leading and initial movements which 
took place just before and on the eve of the battle, I produce 
quotations from the full and final report of General O. O. 
I toward the commander of the Eleventh Corps as follows: 

"On the evening of June 30, the First Corps, with the exception of one 
brigade and the supply train at Emmitshurg was located in the vicinity 
of Marsh Run, on the direct road from Emmitshurg to Gettysburg, and 
nearly midway between these towns. The Eleventh Corps was at Em- 
mitshurg. Just at sunset I received a request from General Reynolds, 
commanding the First Corps, to meet him at his headquarters. He then 
5 



66 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

showed me the order from your headquarters placing him in command of 
the First, Eleventh and Third Corps; also the circulars of the command- 
ing genera] dated June 30, together with a confidential communication. 

The purport of these papers was that a general engagement was imminent, 
the issues involved were immense, and all commanders urged to extra- 
ordinary exertions. General Reynolds and 1 consulted together, com- 
paring notes and information, until a late hour. I then returned to 
Emmitsburg \t 3.30 a. m. July 1st orders were received from head- 
quarters to move the Eleventh Corps to within supporting distance of the 
First Corps, which was to move to Gettysburg, I immediately sent an 
aide-de-camp to General Reynolds to receive his orders. At 8 a. m. 
orders were received from Reynolds directing the Corps to march to 
Gettysburg. The column was at once set in motion, my first division, un- 
der General Harlow, (Devens, who had been wounded at Chancellors 
ville, had not returned to the army,) following the First Corps by the 
direct route; my Third, General Schurz, and my Second, General Stein- 
wehr, in the order named taking the route by Horner's mill . . . the 
distance by the direct route was between ten and eleven miles, and by 
the other thirteen miles. As soon as the Corps was set in motion 
1 pushed with my staff by the direct road and when within a mile of 
Gettysburg received word from General Reynolds, pointing out the place 
where 1 was to encamp; hut on approaching the town heavy artillery was 
heard. ... I went to the top oi a high building in Gettysburg, facing 
westward. ... 1 had studied the position for a few moments when a 
report reached me that General Reynolds was wounded* . . soon another 
messenger brought the sad tidings oi his death. This was about 11.30 a.m. 

*NoTK. — Howard relates the following to the writer in a recent conver- 
sation with him: When within a short distance of Gettysburg he turned 
to the left to the high ground by a peach orchard and saw that Wads- 
worth was engaged. He then rode to Cemetery Hill, where Meysenburg. 
a member of his staff, agreed with him that this was the only position to 
assume. The name of the young cavalry officer who brought the tidings 
of Reynolds' wounding to Howard while he was standing on the l'ahne- 
stoek observatory was George Quin ; the other officer who galloped up 
and informed Howard of the death of the lamented Reynolds was Captain 
Daniel Hall, of Howard's staff. This aide had been despatched by How- 
ard at 10.30 a. in. to Reynolds to learn where the Eleventh Corps was 
wanted, and on learning of Reynolds' death quickly returned and found 
Howard on the observatorv. 



the; three days battle of Gettysburg 67 

On hearing of the death of General Reynolds I assumed command 
of the left wing, instructing General Schurz to take command of the 
Eleventh Corps. After an examination of the general features of the 
country, I came to the conclusion that the only tenable position for my 
limited force was the ridge to the southeast of Gettysburg, now so well 
known as Cemetery Ridge. The highest crest at the Cemetery commanded 
every eminence within easy range (here comes an important statement 
referring to our command). I at once established my headquarters near 
the cemetery, and on the highest point north of the Baltimore pike. Here 
General Schurz joined me before 12 m., when I instructed him to make the 
following disposition of the Eleventh Corps : 

Learning from General Doubleday, commander of the First Corps, that 
his right was hard pressed, and receiving continued assurance that his 
left was safe, and pushing the enemy back, I ordered the First and Third 
divisions of the Eleventh Corps to seize and hold a prominent height on 
the right of the Cashtown road and on the prolongation of the Seminary 
Ridge." 

"About 12.30 p. m." the General's report continues,. .. ."the 
enemy was massing between the York and Harrisburg roads," 
that "quite a large number of prisoners had already been taken 
by the First Corps," that we "were engaging Hill's Corps" and 
that Longstreet would be up in a short time. "About this time" 
(12.30, the time given by my Diary) the head of column of the 
the Eleventh Corps entered and passed through the town moving 
forward toward the position ordered, (presumably the spot 
where our Monument stands). 

The arrival of the ElevetitJi Corps was quite opportune. Re- 
ports were true enough that Ewell,* our old enemy, was coming 
from the north and was massing heavily between the York and 
Harrisburg roads. About this time news came that Longstreet 
was coming to reinforce Hill on our left or front. Here soon 
the entire force of Lee would be on hand to encounter the two 
corps out of seven of our troops. Howard, with great military 
alertness, perceived that both our right and left on the ground 

*In command of Jackson's old corps. 



68 HISTORY OF THE I53D RIvGT. 

which we had up to that time been compelled to assume, would 
render a repulse of the enemy impossible. This often is the case 
in the initial state of an onset. In view of such a disaster How- 
ard halted Schurz and sent out strong skirmish lines, if possi- 
ble to seize the position first indicated and in support of the First 
Corps. Word was forwarded to Sickles and Slocum to make all 
possible haste, and Sickles was requested to inform Meade of the 
affairs. Howard, however, sent word direct to Meade about 2 p. 
m. The position of the First Corps was at this time forming - a 
right angle with the Eleventh Corps. It was nearly 3 p. m. 
when the rebel troops with strong artillery support came into view 
in front of the Eleventh Corps facing north. It was a full half 
hour after this before Sickles could be found by the messenger 
sent by Howard. Up to this time Howard had been engaged 
preparing for the defense of the very important point on Ceme- 
tery Hill, for which purpose he had detained a few brigades, hav- 
ing anticipated that this strategic position would be selected by 
either side. All credit as to who made the selection, must be 
given to Howard. The retirement of the flanked and vastlv 
outnumbered troops who had made such a brave defense on the 
high grounds on the north of the town, during several hours on 
the first day to Cemetery Ridge, showed in all the future actions 
during the coining days of the battle, that the selection of this 
pivotal Hill was undisputed evidence of the generalship of the 
skillful General Howard. 

From the writer's point of view it is not without significance 
that the Eleventh Corps which was the first organization to con- 
front the great flank attack of Stonewall Jackson in the opening 
of the real battle at Chancellorsville. should be among the first 
on hand at the beginning of the renowned Gettysburg engage- 
ment, and be again at the very spot where the same old Jackson 
Corps was about to assail our army. And it is the more re- 
markable that this coincidence should occur immediatelv in front 
o\ the position on Cemetery Hill which was looked upon bv Lee 
as being of the greatest importance and as the first to assault; 
and from the same point of observation, that the disciplined, 



the thrive days battle of Gettysburg 



69 



experienced, loyal, and conscientious Commander, who by 
a lamentable, mishap had been so unfortunately posted at the 
former battle (at Chancellorsville) should now occupy the pivotal 
and very important strategic position of Cemetery Hill ; and 
find in his immediate front, and but 1600 feet from his entrench- 
ments on the slope of the Hill the large division of Rodes, who 
in the formation of Jackson's army at the Chancellorsville at- 
tack was first in line of attack of the Eleventh Corps, and that 
this Cemetery Hill, held by the intrepid Howard during the two 
days of the fiercest artillery storm of the war, should be the 



Copyright, 



[894, by The Century Go, 

ct" rT T^ 8L " ? <: 




tffeuTTL. H o U n» Toe 



BIG ROUND IOP 



Diagram of the Gettysburg Battlefield. 

first main target before the rebel guns. It counted for some- 
thing for our historic Eleventh Conps to occupy and hold the 
very formidable position, the loss of which all critics agree would 
have meant in all probability the ultimate defeat of the Federal 
cause. For our Corps and the First Corps to retire to Cemetery 
Ridge was a greater achievement than the gallant defense they had 
made for hours on the Ridges beyond the town. This timely 



JO HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

occupation of the Cemetery Hill by the 153d permanently secured 
it against a well timed deployment of the rebel forces for its 
capture in the initial stages of the battle. 

A disinterested writer, Colonel Wm. F. Fox, in his able work, 
"New York at Gettysburg," says : — 

"During all this time the Eleventh Corps was battling manfully on the 
right of the Union line. When Early's division arrived on the Heidleburg 
road it found Rodes' Division already moving forward to the attack." 

Continuing this writer says : 

"Seeing the necessity of holding the ground until an infantry force 
could arrive. Devins ordered the Ninth New York Cavalry to support 
the skirmish line, and forming the rest of the line as dismounted carbi- 
neers, he delayed Rodes and Early until relieved by the arrival of the 
Eleventh Corps. Early, having pushed Devins' skirmishers back, moved 
forward against the Eleventh Corps with three or four of his brigades, 
Gordon's, Hay's ami Hoke's. He was joined on his right by Dole's 
Georgia brigade, which held the left of Rodes' advance, but which ex- 
tending beyond Doubleday's line, struck the Eleventh Corps. A battalion 
of sharpshooters . . . the Fifth Alabama, was also on this portion o<f the 
field. Confronting these four Confederate brigades were Devins* cavalry 
brigade and five infantry brigades of the Eleventh Corps, — von Gilsa's. 
Ames', von Amsberg's, Krzyzanowski's, and Coster's." 

Here we quote a paragraph of great value to the 153d: 

"General Barlow, who held the right of the Eleventh Corps, and also the 
extreme right of the line of battle, and advanced his division soon after 
it arrived on the field, taking possession of a small /;;'// situated between 
the Carlisle and Heidleburg roads„ Rock Creek flows along the base of 
this knoll on its northeasterly side. Barlow placed von Gilsa's brigade 
(to which the 153d belonged') in some woods along Rock Creek, at the 
farther base of the knoll. (These woods have since been cut off). Gilsa 
had but three regiments with which to hold the knoll. The 41st N. Y. 
having been detached, leaving with him the Fifty-fourth N. Y., the Sixty- 
eighth N. Y., which had been transferred to von Gilsa's brigade on the 
Oth of June. The Fifty-fourth N. Y. is the regiment that was posted on 
our right on the brigade line in the Chancellorsville affair. The former 



THE THRICE; DAYS BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 



71 



of these two had 251 men and the latter only 200, the two numbering 
less than our regiment." 

After the retirement of the 153d from the field they occupied 
the first day, the position they were assigned to on the evening 
of that day has been quite difficult to locate. Some references 
to our regiment by other officers give slight assistance in the 
search of our exact position. In the report of Colonel von 
Einsiedel, of the Forty First N. Y., the following occurs. 

"On July 2, at 4 p. m., six companies took position on the stone fence, 
with the front to Gettysburg. One company took position on the right 
of the square, and two companies were detached to the front as skir- 




Spangler's Spring. 
From which the Union and Rebel soldiers drank on a dark night. 

mishers. At 2 p. m. the regiment was assembled; moved, by order 
of Col. Leopold von Gilsa, commanding the First Brigade, to the front 
of the two batteries which were posted on a little hill, on the right of 
the Baltimore and Gettysburg road, near the cemetery. The regiment 
had instructions to support the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, 



J2 history OF THK 153DREGT. 

Pennsylvania Volunteers in ease of an attaek from the front (Gettys- 
burg). In this position they remained under the heaviest cannonade until 5 
p. m., when it reeeived orders to take a position about half a mile north 
from the above position, with the same front with the right wing of the 
army; but the Rebel infantry being about to push back a division of the 
Twelfth Corps, posted in the woods on our right wing, and threatening to 
attaek us in the rear, we reeeived the order to move 1000 steps backward 
and to keep the same front as before. The regiment was posted as fol- 
lows: Five companies of the right wing connecting on the left with the 
right wing of the Seventh Virginia Volunteers, which had connection with 
the Fourteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers; four companies under 
command of Captain Henry Arens, of Company EC, connecting on their 
left with the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, Sixty-eighth and Fifty-fourth Regiments, New York Volun- 
teers, and move on toward the batteries." 



Gettysburg — The First Day. 

Wo will briefly review the engagements of the three principal 
positions — Cemetery and Culps Hill, the Death Angie near the 
clump of trees on the Ridge, and the Round Tops — in all the 
maneuvers of the three days of the Battle these were the princi- 
pal points of attack. Each of them was central to somewhat 
advanced and important positions where assaults and defeats 
alternating between the contending armies had much to do 
with the issue of the general battle oi those momentous three 
days. 

It must he regarded by any one acquainted with parts taken 
by the various troops that the Eleventh Corps held a very im- 
portant place- in the engagements of those days, and that this 
same Corps which opened the drama o\ the real battle on the 
disastrous occasion of Chancellorsville. should be on hand the 
first day of the Gettysburg battle, and stand in the forefront 
of the spot considered by General l.ee as of first importance to 
assault. Second, that the very commander, the disciplined, loyal, 
and conscientious General, who by a lamentable, unfortunate 




General Howard 



GETTYSBURG — THE FIRST DAY 73 

mishap had been so unfavorably posted at the former battle 
should now occupy the pivotal and most important strategic 
position — Cemetery Hill. And third, that in his immediate front 
and but 1600 feet from his entrenchments (a distance similar to 
that in the horrid southern wilderness) in front of that hill, the 
same large division of kodes, of Jackson's army, which con- 
fronted him at Chancellorsville, should appear before the same 
old Eleventh Corps. This strange convergence of armies could 
hardly have escaped the notice of the commanders on both sides, 
and just such a position of the contending men must have had an 
inspiriting effect on all engaged. 

As the Eleventh Corps arrived on the 1st day, after its most 
fatiguing march from Emmitsburg, it was immediately put under 
fire. The position assigned it was wholly incidental. Schurz, 
having just been placed in command by I loward (who by seniority 
assumed command at the death of Reynolds), intended to push 
forward skirmishers and seize Oak Ridge and connect with the 
right of the First Corps in prolongation of the line northly, on the 
Ridge, thus offering a strong position. Before Schurz could get 
his troops on the ridge Ixodes' division of Ewell's Corps appeared 
on the scene with artillery in position to enfilade the line of the 
First Corps. This unforeseen move of the enemy necessitated 
Schurz taking position in rear and he deployed his two divisions, 
Schimmelphenning's and Harlow's on the field and low ground 
between ( )ak Ridge and Rock Creek. Meantime Ewell's troops 
were forming in line from the right of the First Corps along 
the Ridge extending to Rock Creek, eastward. In the forma- 
tion of our two divisions, to confront Ewell's advance from the 
north, Barlow and Schimmelphenning faced north. Thus form- 
ing at right angles to Doubleday whose men were then facing 
west. The first troops that arrived were Schimmelphenning's ; 
two brigades under Colonel von Amsberg and Krzyzanowski. 
These formed in double lines holding the left while Barlow's 
division occupied the extreme right extending to Rock Creek, 
von Gilsa's Brigade reaching to the Creek above named. The 
rebel force to confront at this time were the troops under I fill 



74 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

and Ewcll. The troops on the Federal side were those of the 
First Corps (Doubleday) and the Eleventh Corps (Schurz). 

The forces thus engaged on that day were : On the Union side, 
infantry, cavalry and artillery, 18,400; the Confederate side, total 
27,300. 

Gettysburg had been greatly stirred for several days before the 
battle over the appearance of rebel cavalry in the vicinity, and 
gradually the town was preparing for the invasion.* The battle 
of battles began at 9 a. m., July 1, 1863, but had been preceded 
by skirmishing within several miles on the northwest of the 
town. Recent raiding of Stuart on the east and north-east of 
Gettysburg, where he had encountered our cavalry under Kil- 
patrick, and his disappointment at not finding Ewell any longer 
at York caused him to turn north-west and coming to Carlisle, he 
found the place occupied by Federal troops. After an unsuccess- 
ful attempt at taking the town he turned towards Gettysburg, 
having meantime learned that Lee was concentrating there and 
that our troops had met him, that a battle was already begun. 
He (lid not reach the battle field, however, until the next day, 
the 2d. 

The Eleventh Corps having arrived on the field at about 12.30 
was an hour passing through the town, having come by two roads 
from Emmittsburg. There having been a lull in the morning's en- 
gagement by the cavalry under Buford. it was about 2 p. m. 
before the Eleventh Corps got into action. Howard was in the 
tower of the Observatory about 11 a. m. when he learned of the 
death of Reynolds. The engagement by our infantry under Rey- 
nolds had commenced at 1045 a. m. and the General's death 
(Reynolds') occurred at II. IS a. m., just 30 minutes after the 
opening of the battle with his troops. Doubleday was immediately 
placed in command of the 1st Corps (Reynolds') and Howard 
placed Shurz in command of his (Eleventh) Corps. Howard 

*The goods of the several stores had been boxed for shipment — cars 
having been kept in readiness. The majority of the citizens had vacated 
their homes. 




Genera] Slocum. 



GETTYSBURG — THE FIRST DAY 75 

was commander of all the troops on the ground from 11.15 a. m. 
to 7.30 p. m. when Slocum, being senior, assumed command of 
the field though Howard knowing that Slocum was the senior 
had previously urged him to hurry up from Two Taverns (5 miles 
away) and take the command of the forces until the arrival of 
Meade who was at that time at Tanneytown twelve miles away ; 
having just been appointed to succeed Hooker was very busy. 
The first day's fighting beginning at 9. a. m. continued until 7 
p. m. From 9 to 10.30 Buford was hotly engaged with dis- 
mounted cavalry and battery. Wadsworth earlier in the day 
had sharp skirmishing with the skirmish lines of Hill. 
Telegrams from Gettysburg had informed Reynolds at 
Marsh Creek as early as 7 o'clock that the enemy was approach- 
ing the town of Gettysburg whereupon he immediately hurried 
off to the scenes leaving orders for Doubleday to bring up the 
First Corps as soon as possible. Meanwhile Wadsworth having 
started with his division from Marsh Creek (6 miles below 
Gettysburg) immediately in command of Reynolds, when within 
one mile of the town Reynolds, having received the information 
that the enemy was approaching from Cashtown, suddenly turned 
the troops across the fields and struck the Cashtown road about 
three-fourths of a mile west of the town arriving there about 
10 a. m. Wadsworth states the following: 

"The right became sharply engaged before the line was formed, and at 
this time (about 10.15 a. m.) our gallant leader fell mortally wounded. 
The right encountered a heavy force, were outnumbered, outflanked, and 
after a resolute contest, bravely conducted by Brigadier General Cutler, 
fell back in good order to Seminary Ridge, near the town, and a portion 
of the command still nearer the town. As they fell, followed by the 
enemy, the 14th N. Y. State militia, Colonel Fowler; Sixth Wisconsin 
Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Dawes, and Ninety-fifth N. Y. Volun- 
teers, Colonel Biddle, gallantly charged on the advance of the enemy, and 
captured a large number of the enemy, including two entire regiments 
with their flags. . . . Major-General Doubleday, commanding the Corps 
(1st) at that time, arrived on the ground about the time, or very soon 
after, General Reynolds fell, with the Second and Third Divisions. 



j6 HISTORY OF THE I53D RKGT. 

The enemy advanced in heavy force on our right, and placed a battery 
in position to enfilade the line, ami 1 was obliged to Older the right to 
fall back to Seminary Ridge, forming the line northwesterly, ami diagonal 
to the Cashtown road. The two brigades of the Second Division were 
sent to our right, and gallantly held the enemy in check for an hour, 
capturing a large number of prisoners. I received orders direct from 
Major-General Howard to hold Seminary Ridge as long as possible." 

Here is the clearest evidence that Howard was in command. 

Our corps being in position threw its force at once into the 
combat. Its part taken is best given by the able disinterested 
historian, Colonel Win. l\ Fox, in the following- graphic words: 

"During all this time the Eleventh Corps was battling manfully on 
the right of the Union line. When Early's Division arrived on the 
Heidleburg road, it found Rodes' Division already moving forward to the 
attack. Seeing the necessity of holding the ground until an infantry force 
could arrive, Devin (cavalry) ordered the Ninth New York Cavalry to 
support the skirmish line, and forming the rest of the brigade as dis- 
mounted carbineers, delayed Rodes and Early until relieved. 

The engagement on this the first day lasted about seven hours. The 
confusion incident to a day's battle, making up the intervals of actual 
conflict. The lighting of the first day, judging by the ground gone over 
and the positions exchanged, would indicate that at evening the victory 
was on the side of the Confederates. It was the flush of vantage gained 
from the retirement of the Federal forces from the positions on the north 
and northwest of the town to the town itself which gave the enemy great 
encouragement, and not until Lee had tried his well-laid plans of as- 
saulting the extremes of our line on Cemetery Ridge did he despair of 
success." 

To give a satisfactory account of the operation of the 153d 
Regiment would require a detailed narrative of the engage- 
ments of the two Corps on each day. That this would make 
our history too general for the purpose the organization had in 
view in its authorization, must be at once obvious to all con- 
cerned in the publication. Vet such is the meagre data which 
the historian can find in the great mass of reports of the Corps as 
a collective body when singled out as appertaining to the single 



GETTYSBURG — THE FIRST DAY 77 

regiment, that the bulk of matter available for use in relation 
to our regiment is so diminutive that its story would occupy 
very little space. This is likely to be true of any organization 
and will embarrass any candid historian. The only satisfactory 
way open to the writer therefore is for him to give a synopsis 
of the entire actions of the forces engaged in the battle covering 
the three days of the conflict of Gettysburg. This I think, 
after very careful study of the aims and desires of the comrades 
will be the best course for me to pursue. The actual fighting of 
our infantry, on the ground north of the town on the first day, 
occupied less than two hours ; and while our boys displayed as 
much bravery as any troops on that field, it cannot be denied by 
any critic that they were again posted to great disadvantage, 
having been very unequally matched against a much superior 
foe. 

A more detailed account reveals that at noon General Buford 
in charge of the cavalry, and who had engaged the enemy on the 
north-west of the Seminary during the early hours of the morn- 
ing, sent word to Howard that the enemy was massing in heavy 
force between the York and Ilarrisburg roads some three or 
four miles north of the town. This information came to the 
commanding General about the same time that the Eleventh 
Corps entered the town by its forced march from Emmitsburg. 
Meantime the troops under General Doubleday had been heavily 
engaged with the enemy on the left but soon the right of Double- 
day was seriously threatened. This situation as observed by 
Howard through his field glass was the more enhanced by the 
fact that reinforcements of the enemy were coming from two 
directions. Accordingly, Howard ordered that the Eleventh Corps 
which had by this time been placed in command of Schurz should 
at once, on its arrival, be posted on the right of the line of the 
First Corps and facing the direction from which Ewell's army 
was expected as reported to Howard by Buford. In this move 
the Eleventh Corps was to afford relief to the First Corps. 
Reconnoiter in the direction of Ewell's advance confirmed the re- 
port of his approach. General Meade as before stated was at 



78 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Tanneytown making all due preparations for the impending 
battle which he had by this time decided would take place at 
Gettysburg. He had meantime discouraged the bringing on 1 
general engagement. Howard sent him word of the situation, 
and also dispatched a courier to General Sickles and Slocum 
urging them up at all speed, advising them that a battle had 
begun. At the hour of 2 p. m. Howard went over to the field 
in person, making a general examination of the topography of the 
land and returned to his place of observation. From Howard's 
high position on Cemetery Hill he discovered a battery, between 
the Harrisburg and Mummasburg roads, and from there a fire 
was being directed upon the Eleventh Corps which had by this 
time taken position on the higher ground above the Almshouse. 
It was now nearly 3 p. m. The First Corps on the left was now 
being also hotly pressed and the reinforcements did not arrive 
in time and the enemy now closing in on the right flank of the 
east of the line, and meantime heavy columns pushing back 
Doubleday's left, the situation became very alarming. 

The contest was fierce from first to last, but the force of the 
enemy being nearly twice that of the Union troops positive 
orders were sent for our men to retire to Cemetery Hill. 

As the troops had about all come upon the ground by the 
time the second day's battle was on. it will be of interest to 
know the various Corps and relative strength of each which 
were to take part in that great engagement. According to the 
returns of the date, June 30, the following figures will show the 
strength: Total officers — 6.629: men, 97.627; total. 117,930. 
Of this number, those equipped for service 5.284 officers, and 
71.922 men. a total of 77.208. The total reports at a later date 
show 54.631 officers and men. 



DEFENSES ON CEMETERY HILL 79 

Defenses on Cemetery Hill. 

Mention is frequently made in the various reports of support- 
ing batteries. It is important that we have a clear idea of the 
location of the various guns, and of the particular points of the 
enemy they were to be directed to. At first the cannon were 
so arranged as to command the town and the roads from the 
north-west. Wainwright's guns were those belonging to the First 
Corps and were posted north of the Baltimore Pike in front of 
the cemetery gate. The Stuart's battery (B, Fourth United 
States, four light 12-pounders) across the road, so as to com- 
mand the approaches from the town; then Weidrich's (I, First 
New York Artillery, four 3-inch), Cooper's (B, First Pennsyl- 
vania Artillery, four 3-inch), and Reynolds' (L, First New York 
Artillery, five 3-inch), in all thirteen 3-inch guns, along the north 
front. Some of these guns were so disposed that they could 
be turned upon the battle of the first day. Fifth Maine, six 12- 
pounders, Stephens' Battery, was posted about fifty yards in 
front of this line, on an elevation from which could be had an 
oblique fire upon the hills in front of our line, and a flank fire 
of any close flank column. The guns were protected with slight 
earthworks from sharpshooters. The contour of these works was 
yet in a good state of preservation when I saw the grounds in 
1892, but have since been leveled and beautified, and graceful 
lunettes thrown up for the guns now in position. 

The batteries belonging to the Eleventh Corps were those of 
Osborn; Bancroft's G, Fourth United States, Artillery, six 12- 
pounders ; Dilger's I, First Ohio, six 12-pounders ; Wheeler's, 
Thirteenth New York, three 3-inch, excepting a few pieces 
which had been transferred to other batteries. These guns were 
placed in the cemetery grounds, to the north of the Baltimore 
Pike. Speaking of the retirement of the batteries from the field 
of the first day, General Hunt says : "The batteries passed im- 
mediately through the town, and were placed with those of the 
Eleventh Corps, in position on Cemetery Hill, so as to command 
the town and the approaches from the north-west." By those 
of the nth Corps, he meant the three batteries posted on Ceme- 
tery Hill early the first day. 



80 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

That the reader may get some idea of the vast artillery force 
in this campaign the following figures are given: Number of 
guns, 320; men, 8,000; horses, 7,000; officers killed, 7; men killed, 
98; officers wounded, 33; men wounded, 532; total missing, 
67 ; horses killed, 81. 

The enormity of the material used is shown to be: 32,781 
rounds, an average of over 100 shots per gun. Many rounds 
were lost by explosions. The supply brought up with the army 
was 270 rounds for each gun. At the close of the three days the 
Artillery Reserve had on hand enough ammunition to fight 
another battle. Before the arrival of the Eleventh Corps Howard 
and Schurz, standing on the point which the former had selected 
as his place of observation near the cemetery entrance, decided 
what disposition should be made of the troops of the Eleventh 
Corps on their arrival (which was about 12.30 a. m.). Evi- 
dently Schurz had already been informed of his appointment 
as commander of the Eleventh Corps. On account of Howard 
having come into command of the left wing (the Second, Third 
and Eleventh Corps), both commanders were of the opinion 
that Cemetery Hill was the final position on which the two 
Corps, then engaged north of the town, must fall back in the 
event that reinforcements did not arrive in time to support the 
two Corps which were hotly engaged with the vastly superior 
number of the enemy. 

Nearly two months after the battle, General Carl Schurz made 
his report. His division (Third) had arrived from Emmits- 
burg by way of Horner Mills. While on the route at about 
10.30 a. m., he received word from Howard to hurry up his 
troops as the First Corps was engaged with the enemy at 
Gettysburg. Turning over the command of the division to 
General Schimmelphenning, he hastened to the town and found 
Howard on Cemetery Hill, where together they overlooked the 
field of battle. Schurz states in his lucid report that he imme- 
diately received word from Wadsworth, who was at the hour 
commanding the First Division of the First Corps, that he was 
making some advance on the enemy, but that he thought they 




General Leopold von Gilsa. 



DEFENSES ON CEMETERY HILL 8l 

were moving around towards the right, whereupon Howard sug- 
gested that Schurz lead his Corps (Eleventh) to the ground im- 
mediately on the right of the First Corps as soon as it made 
its appearance on the field. It was not long before the com- 
manding general through his aid ascertained that Ewell's forces 
were coming down the Heidelburg road, and cannon were be- 
ing placed by Ewell in favorable locations to shell the elevated 
ground or ridge which had been pointed out as the objective 
of Schurz's troops. On the arrival of the Third Division (Shim- 
melphenning) it was ordered to push briskly through the town 
and take position and deploy on the right of the First Corps in 
two lines. As soon as the First Division, under Barlow, ar- 
rived it was also rushed through the town and posted on the 
right of the Third Division, its First Brigade (Gilsa's) to con- 
nect with the Third Division west of the road known as Mum- 
masburg, and the Second Brigade to post en echelon on the 
right and behind the First, but on the east side of the said road. 
This was about 2 p. m. In this position the Brigade pushed out 
strong skirmishers. Among these advance troops the 153d men 
were engaged. The order was that they should go out as far as 
possible. Here the flanking of the First Corps by some rebel 
batteries above them on the hillside made it necessary for our 
troops to change position. It was soon discovered that the 
right of the First Corps, on the left of our regiment was very 
heavily pressed and a hard fight was in progress. Soon Schurz 
discovered that his right was being pushed. All signs showed 
that the enemy by this time were heavily reinforced, and threat- 
ening his right. Our Brigade, (First) having been instructed 
to take an advanced position, soon became engaged seriously. 
Our right flank became dangerously exposed to a heavy force 
coming in from the north-east direction. Schurz dispatched an 
aide with all haste to Howard asking for a Brigade to come to 
his relief on the north-east side of the town near the Railroad 
Station to meet any force which might work around on that 
side. Barlow having meantime gotten so far out, became en- 
tirely detached from the other parts of the line. By this time 
6 



82 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

the rebel batteries from two directions opened on Barlow's di- 
vision, included in which were the men of the 153d. It had now 
all the appearance of a complete flank and that the division 
was either to be enveloped by the strong numbers that suddenly 
rose from the woods, or, the enemy had adopted the scheme of 
throwing heavy forces around our left and right to cut us off 
from the town. This disaster was near accomplishment, but for 
the simultaneous falling back of the First Corps on the extreme 
left (towards the town on the west side and the sudden falling 
back of our advanced brigade). As by a common impulse the 
commanders along the entire line saw the superior advantage 
of retirement to the predestinated, formidable Cemetery Hill. 

The falling back of this portion of the army to the east side of 
the town and taking of their new and superior position was a 
movement of the highest expediency, and did more to shape the 
destiny of the general battle than any change of base which oc- 
curred during the three days of the conflict. A victory on the 
first day could not have been a complete one as judged by the 
best military standards. There were no forces on hand to take 
care of so great a conquest, to hold so large a force from concen- 
trating on a part of the field much more disadvantageous to us 
at that stage of the general engagement. The very force of 
circumstances by which so small a part of our great army became 
thus early entrenched on the unassailable Cemetery Hill, and the 
military accident of the non-arrival of either the Commander- 
in-Chief or of several of the Corps, in time to support the 
struggling two Corps during the first day, yet some distance from 
the field, is, in itself, strong ground for belief that unknown 
to any one, on that tragic day, an unseen hand was shaping the 
events which bore victory to the cause of human freedom. 

The brigade with which the 153d Regiment was associated 
having been led out so far from the main line on the ridge, 
and having been enfiladed by well directed batteries of the rebels 
it was with great exertion that these, almost surrounded men, 
were saved from complete capture. General Barlow was here 
badly wounded and had to be carried from the field. The re- 



DEFENSES ON CEMETERY HILE 83 

port of his wounding and the death of Reynolds earlier in the 
day came to the writer on Cemetery Hill some time during that 
day. General Ames became the commander of the First Di- 
vision, and remained with us during the following days we oc- 
cupied our new position. The First Brigade (our brigade) 
now "finding its right flank uncovered, was forced back also, not, 
however, without contesting every inch of ground." Schurz 
closes with the following account : 

"At that moment it was reported to me that the right wing of the First 
Corps had been pressed back, and one of Major-General Doubleday's aides 
brought me a request for a few regiments for his assistance, which it was, 
under the circumstances, impossible for me to do. I received also a report 
from the Third Division, stating that it was flanked on the left." 

At the same time Schurz received an order from Howard to 
withdraw to the south side of the town, and to occupy the position 
on, and near, Cemetery Hill previously chosen. The retirement 
through and east of the town was attended with some confusion 
because our men were not acquainted with the streets. Many of the 
troops had narrow escapes and some were captured. The rebels 
got into the town and established defenses by barricading the 
streets. They held possession here until the 4th day, when their 
retreat commenced. 

The location of the regiment whose history I am tracing, is ex- 
ceedingly difficult on account of the very sudden and frequent 
changes which the service at that critical hour demanded. The 
commander of the Corps has made special mention of the position 
taken by the Corps on its arrival in the locality of Cemetery Hill 
at the close of the first day. With these words he closes his 
report : 

"It was S o'clock when the Eleventh Corps occupied the position on 
Cemetery Hill ; the Second Division behind the stone walls inclosing the 
cemetery on the west side ; the Third Division immediately opposite the 
town; and the First Division (ours) on the right. The group of houses 
nearest the cemetery were occupied by our skirmishers. The enemy did 
not undertake to attack that position, and the Corps remained in it un- 
disturbed until the enemy resumed the attack on July 2." 



84 



HISTORY OF THE I53D RKC.T. 



Brigadier General A.delbert Amos, commanding the Second 
Brigade, at the time Barlow was wounded, given the command, 
also, of the First Brigade, states in his report: 

"An order was received from General Schurz, or one of his staff, to 

occupy the outskirts of the town, but soon after the order came to fall 
hack through it.... the hill in rear of the town was occupied after 
passing through the town, ami in this position the division remained dur- 
ing tlie following two days, the 2d ami 3d. On the evening of the _\1 an 
attempt was made to carry the position we held, hut the enemy was re- 
pulsed with loss. Colonel Carroll with a brigade from the Second Corps 
rendered timely assistance. The batteries behaved admirably." 

The highest compliment that could be paid to a command was 

given by Howard in the following words: 

"On the tst day of July, with the hirst Corps and Buford's Division of 

cavalry, you held double your numbers in check from 12 m. until night, 
and thus opened the way for the victory that followed. On the 2d you 
held an important position during the cannonade, and repulsed the enemy 
when already within your batteries, and breaking through your lines. On 
the 3d, the same post was strongly held under the severest cannonade of 
the war. Our batteries, aided by our infantry, contributed a full share 
to the repulse oi the enemy's last attempt to drive the army from its 
position. The Eleventh Corps, as a Corps, has done well — well in march- 
ing, well in lighting; the sacrifices it has made shall not be forgotten." 




THAT MKMORABm SKCOND DAY 



85 



That Memorable Second Day. 

Every day has its predecessor, and in war the actions of one 
day are best comprehended by the events which preceded it the 
day before. The curtains of night had shaded the bloody scenes 
of the previous day's horrors. Nine officers and 79 men were 
among the killed and wounded from the fearful conflict of the 
first day. The ground over which our brave men fought and 
on which some of our noblest ones had died, was now in the 
hands of the enemy whose lines ran through the town. The 




Marker of the 153d Regt. Foot of Cemetery Hill. 

night of the Est was a sleepless one for friend and foe. From 
survivors of our wounded who lay upon the field accounts have 
been gathered as to the care of the wounded during that night 
which was some source of comfort to those comrades who had 
dear ones somewhere over the field upon which they had fallen. 
The wounded received as much attention as is usual and possible 
during the turmoil of a battle. 

In the narrative of these events published during the fall of 



86 HISTORY OF TIIK 153D REGT. 

[863, by two members of the regiment, William Simmers and 
Paul Bachschmidt, there appears the following account : 

"The wounded being cared for and the brigade reorganized, we were 
ordered to* occupy a position on the right of the cemetery, with instruc- 
tions to support the batteries planted there and to hold the place at all 
hazards. It was now 6 o'clock; the tiring had ceased, and the exciting 
scenes of the day were followed by a comparatively quiet night. 

The position occupied by us that morning was, as already stated, at the 
right, or east, of the cemetery, facing the tozxm. Immediately in our front 
was Battery 1 of the First New York Artillery, while in our rear was 
Battery B, of the First Pennsylvania, and a battery of the First Regu- 
lar Artillery. Thus posted we patiently awaited the opening of the ball. 
About 6 o'clock heavy firing on our left informed us that the contest had 
commenced, half an hour later our whole line was engaged. Once begun 
the cannonade was continued at long range during the greater part of the 




Eleventh Corps Artillery. 

day. Stretched at full length behind a low stone fence, the enemy's tire 
did us very little damage, and up to the time of their final charge we 
were permitted to remain comparatively idle spectators of the terrible 
scenes enacted around us. 

The hour of four arrived, and with it increased the fury of the enemy's 
lire. Shells were no longer thrown into our lines at long intervals — 
they were now showered upon us as 'thick as hail.' Hundreds of cannon 
were belching forth their deadly missiles, while the very ground beneath 
us seemed to shake. The enemy's shot and shells which, hitherto had 
injured us but little, were now doing terrible execution in our ranks. 
Everywhere men were seen writhing in the agony of death, while the 
wounded were shrieking for help which no one could render them. 

The enemy's lire was briskly answered by our batteries. Time and 



THAT MEMORABLE) SECOND DAY 87 

again did they attempt to mass their columns for the final assault, when as 
often they were dispersed. The intentions of the enemy to outflank us 
becoming momentarily more apparent, a change of front became neces- 
sary, and was accomplished with but trifling losses on our side. Nor was 
the movement made a minute too soon, for hardly had we occupied our 
new position than the enemy was seen advancing upon it in solid phalanx. 
When the order to advance was given, and the contending armies met, 
the shock and the scene that followed were such as to defy description. It 
was no longer a battle. It was a hand-to-hand conflict, carried on with 
the valor and vindictiveness of desperation. The arms of ordinary war- 
fare were no longer used. Clubs, knives, stones, fists, — anything cal- 
culated to inflict pain or death was now resorted to. Now advancing, 
then retreating, this sort of conflict continued for fully three-quarters of 
an hour. At one time defeat seemed inevitable. Closely pressed by the 
enemy we were compelled to retire on our first line of defense, but even 
here the enemy followed us, while the more daring were already within 
our lines, and were now resolutely advancing towards our pieces. The 
foremost had already reached a piece, when throwing himself over the 
muzzle of the cannon, he called out to the bystanding gunners, 'I take 
command of this gun !' 'Du sollst sie haben,' was the curt reply of the 
sturdy German, who, at that very moment, was in the act of firing. A 
second later, and the soul of the daring rebel had taken its flight. . . . 
Here our reverses ended. Determined to conquer or die in the attempt, 
our men now threw themselves upon the enemy with a resolution and fury 
that soon compelled him to retire. The batteries were saved. The day 
ours ; Chancellorsville redeemed." 

This brief account, supposedly witnessed by the men who 
wrote it is probably the best which can be produced, so far as 
it concerned the part taken in it by our regiment. 




88 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Cemetery Hill the Great Center. 

The opinions of the officers who had charge of the batteries 
are of more value than many others on the field. One says : 
"Captain Wiedrick was assigned on his arrival on the field, to 
a position on the hill immediately in front of the cemetery en- 
trance and overlooking the town On the morning of the 

2d, I applied to General Hunt, chief of artillery, Army of the 
Potomac, for a greater amount of artillery than we then had, 
as our position was finely adapted to its use, and I did not con- 
sider that we had sufficient to assist our small infantry force, 
in holding the position if the enemy should attack us in heavy 
force. In response to the call 32 guns were added to the cannon 
placed on this important hill. . . .As soon as the enemy developed 
the position he would probably occupy with his batteries, I placed 
mine in position commanding them.... By this assignment of 
artillery, I commanded with a reputable number of guns every 
point on which the enemy could place artillery commanding 
Cemetery Hill. I also occupied every point of the hill available 
for artillery, and during the engagement every gun, at different 
times, was used with good effect, and the fire of no one gun 
interfered with another. .. .On our entire front the enemy held 
a fine crest five miles long for the protection of artillery, at a 
distance of 1,000 to 1,400 yards from us; but at the time the 
heavy attack was made on the extreme left of our line, the 
firing was very severe, and especially upon the hill. They en- 
gaged the greater portion of our whole line, and from both the 
right and left of the town much of the fire was concentrated on 
our position, but we soon gained a decided advantage over them, 
and long before the infantry struggle on the left was decided, 
we had silenced most of their guns .... Between 7 and 8 o'clock 
in the evening, a rebel brigade charged from the town, upon the 
hill and upon Captain Wiedrick's battery. The charge was very 
impetuous, and the infantry at first gave way, and the battery 
was held for a moment by the enemy, when the cannoneers rallied 
with the infantry, and seizing upon any weapons they could 



CEMETERY HIU, THE GREAT CENTER 89 

reach, threw themselves upon the enemy, and assisted to drive 
them back." 

It was also due to the cannon, which the 153d assisted so 
bravely to defend and save, that did the deadly execution of the 
advancing lines of Pickett in his famous charge on the afternoon 
of the 3d. This is what Major Osborn has to say further about 
that affair : 

"And a few moments later the infantry of the enemy broke over the 
crest from where their artillery had been playing, and made their grand 
charge across the plain upon our lines. The left of the charging column 
rested on a line perpendicular to our front, then stretching away to the 
right beyond our view, thus offering an excellent front for our artillery 
fire. We used, according to distance, all descriptions of projectiles. The 
whole force of our artillery was brought to bear upon this column, and 
the havoc produced upon their ranks was truly surprising. 

The advance was most splendid, and for a considerable distance, the 
only hindrance offered it was by the artillery, which broke their lines 
fearfully, as every moment showed that their advance under this con- 
centrated artillery fire was most difficult ; and though they made desperate 
efforts to advance in good order, were unable to do so, and I am con- 
vinced that the fire from the hill was one of the main auxiliaries in 
breaking the force of this grand charge. But while the enemy was ad- 
vancing, and after having been repulsed, I insisted that the artillery fire 
should be turned intensely upon the infantry, and no notice whatever was 
to be taken of the artillery." 

While it would afford the historian great satisfaction to give 
at least a synopsis of the engagements respectively over the 
vast field during the three days battle, it becomes a perplexing 
question as to whether such a course would be desired by the 
comrades. 

The main features of the conflicts in which our regiment took 
part would make a more extended narrative if there had been 
more reports from the respective officers. I trust, however, that 
when the comrade reads these brief accounts which have been 
gotten with difficulty, he will be charitable to the writer, and 



90 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

content himself with the numerous narratives which have been 
furnished by the several members. Some of these reminiscent 
letters were longer than our space would warrant in the publi- 
cation and have had to be reluctantly cut down ; the most inter- 
esting features have been, however, preserved and presented in 
the language of their authors, which will make the articles all 
the more natural and interesting. We sadly deplore the recent 
death of several of the comrades who had furnished accounts 
of their experience in the army with us. 

To present more of the outlines, at least, of the positions and 
part taken by our regiment, in the absence of exact information 
concerning the individual comrade, the writer has sought out 
the positions held by the division or brigade to which the regi- 
ment belonged. Where such credit has been accorded the or- 
ganization of which they were apart, I could but infer that our 
brave boys, embraced in the number, were equally worthy of 
the honors bestowed upon the regiment, as individual members. 



Honor to Whom Honor is Due. 

It is true that some regiments engaged at Gettysburg have 
been more fortunate in receiving the honors bestowed, but that 
is a matter for which we can easily account, as each of these 
so well reported, by some surviving officer who furnished a 
written account of the actions of his command. In many in- 
stances these reports were not made until months after the 
battle. Why these delays occurred does not always appear, white 
some of them are without date except that of the year. It is 
possible that the long period which passed between the battle 
and the making of the record, was more favorable to accuracy, 
than would have characterized the report if it had been made 
the next day after the events. Many regiments that did noble 
service have suffered the want of honorable mention because the 
reports were lost. In the publication of State Reports the editors 
have in some instances labored under "Teat embarrassment, hav- 



HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUli 91 

ing been obliged to make Up their history wholly from the re- 
ports of the organizations with which they had been associated. 
This is so nearly the case with our regiment that for the his- 
torian to give proper credit to his command, he has been obliged 
to resort to the less dignified method of showing what our 
neighbors did in order to record individual deeds shared by our 
own men by their side. 

It is not infrequently the case that bodies of men associated 
in a larger organization in an important engagement, receive 
more praise than they would if they had been separately engaged. 
It is equally true that in many instances the honor of a Corps 
has depended more on a single regiment of its body, than on the 
Corps itself. It is also a very generally accepted fact that on 
account of the misconduct of a portion of a corps, the whole 
body shares the odium of such behavior. 

There is 4 nothing so depressing to an army, and to its 
commanders as well, as the unauthorized and garbled state- 
ments by the newsmongers who undertake to conduct the bat- 
tles for the country. Our Generals were all great and true 
men. The displacement of commanders after an undecisive bat- 
tle was not always conducive to the best results. There is 
scarcely an important commander, who, according to the Gov- 
ernment Reports has not felt obliged to complain of improper 
treatment whether the complaints were well grounded or not. 
Mainly these unpleasant occurrences grew out of criticisms by 
parties seeking to hide their mistakes ; neither was it an uncom- 
mon thing in the reports of associate organizations to create in- 
ference that the results accomplished were due entirely to the 
actions of the men responsible for the creation of such infer- 
ence. Simply to say nothing of the good work of a company or 
regiment by its side in a very hard conflict in which the enemy 
was repulsed, has the semblance that the organization thus en- 
gaged and reported is deserving of the whole honor. It could 
have cost an honest officer very little painstaking while in the 
act of making his report of the part taken by his command to 



92 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

have made mention of such other bodies of men as were by his 
side. 

As to the newsmonger's audacity, and great desperation for 
the want of exciting news, we have in the following paragraph 
a very wholesome rebuke: 

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac, June 19, 1863. 
Major-General Halleck: 

I have just heen furnished with an extract from the New York Herald 
of yesterday concerning the late movements of this army. So long as the 
newspapers continue to give publicity to* our movements, we must not 
expect to gain any advantage over our adversaries. Is there no way of 
stopping it? I can suppress the circulation of this paper within my lines, 
hut 1 cannot prevent their reaching it to the enemy. We could well af- 
ford to give millions of money for like information of the enemy. 

JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General" 

The Government was continually harrassed with injurious and 
unofficial reports respecting the conduct of the service in the 
field. The country was eager for news and almost any sort of 
intelligence from the seat of war was better than no news. 
The sarcasm of which General Hooker was capable seems at 
times to have served a very valuable purpose. An instance of 
it occurred as in the following laconic telegram to the Secretary 
of War on the 16th of June, 1863: 

"Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

If General Cadwalader has gone to Pennsylvania, please request him 
to send information of the rebel movements to the south of there. Also 
please have the newspapers announce that I am moving on to the James 
River line. I will mask my real movements in these parts. 

JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General" 

"Washington, June 16, 1863. 
Major-General Hooker, Fairfax: 

General Cadwalader has not gone to Pennsylvania, but is here waiting 
for orders. You shall be kept posted upon all information received here 
as to the enemy's movements, but must exercise your own judgment as to 




General Hancock. 



HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE 93 

its credibility. The very demon of lying seems to be about these times, 
and generals will have to be broken for ignorance before they will take 
the trouble to find out the truth of reports. 

EDWIN M. STANTON." 

Fortunately there were plenty of men in those times, who, 
as occasion arose, could give direction to the forces which were 
by an overruling Providence to carry the war to a successful 
issue. There were hours during the momentous struggle of the 
three days battle when appalling uncertainty rested like a dark 
cloud upon the entire field. The military conditions of the 
first day were anything but encouraging to the Federal com- 
manders, and on the evening of the day the dispositions of their 
troops were made under great difficulties ; the commanding Gen- 
eral (Meade) having not yet arrived, but having sent General 
Hancock to represent him on the field, had apparently slightly 
disturbed the harmony of the chief commanders who had just 
ended the operations of this the first day. Howard was the 
Senior on the field, and undoubtedly assumed the position of 
chief commander with the full confidence that his rank entitled 
him to be the Commanding General in the absence of General 
Meade. Hancock's arrival at 3 p. m., with the authority from 
Meade to take his (Meade's) place until he could get there, was 
likely to end in a dispute between Hancock and Howard, but the 
noble impulses of their superior manhood in the awful environ- 
ments of the fearful situation, moved them to a division of the 
work before them. Howard said : 

"All right, Hancock. This is no time for talking. You take the left of 
the pike and I will arrange these troops on the right." 

Slocum arrived at about six in the evening; meantime Han- 
cock had returned to Meade 13 miles away, and Slocum being 
Howard's senior was requested by the latter to take supreme com- 
mand. At 5 p. m. Howard sent the following message to Meade : 

"General : General Reynolds attacked the enemy as soon as he arrived, 
with the one division, about 10.45 a. m. He moved to the front of the 
town, driving in the enemy's advance for about half a mile, when he met 



04 HISTORY OF nn: 153D RJEGT. 

with a strong force of A. P. Hill's corps. 1 pushed 011 as fast as 1 could, by 

a parallel road; placed my corps in position on his right. General Rey- 
nolds was killed at 11.15 &■ ni • ' assumed command of the two corps, 
and sent word to Slocum and Sickles to move up. 1 have fought the 
enemy from that time till this. The First Corps fell hack, when out- 
Hanked on its left, to a stronger position, when the Eleventh Corps was 
ordered hack, also to a stronger position. General Hancock arrived at 4 
p. m., and communicated his instructions. 1 am still holding on at this 
time. Slocum is near, hut will not come up to assume command. 
Respectfully, 

General Meade. 

0. O. HOWARD. Major-General" 

The slightest glance over the various reports as rendered by 
the officers at this time cannot fail to impress the reader with the 
sad tact that the relations of several men charged here with the 
responsibility of affairs at this critical hour, were somewhat 
strained to put it mildly. Some reasons existed. Slocum did 
not hurry up his forces with the view of personally assuming 
command, and must have known that in the battle thus far con- 
ducted Howard being senior at the time, was in command of the 
held. Yet for sufficient reasons he must have recognized the 
fact that a division of responsibility was at the time shared by 
Howard and Hancock, for he says: 

"On the morning of July 1, the corps (l2th) was moved to Two 
Taverns (about four miles distant from Gettysburg) and remained at that 
place until information was received that the Kirst and Eleventh Corps 
were engaged at Gettysburg, when the march was at once resumed, and 
agreeably to suggestion from General Howard, the First Division was 
put in position, on the right of our line, near Rock Creek. The Second 
Division was moved forward as rapidly as possible, and placed, pur- 
suant to orders from General Hancock, on the extreme left of the line. 
The corps remained in this position until the following morning, when. 
by direction of the commanding General, (Meade, who had arrived at 
,; .1 m.,) the Second was moved to the right of our center." 

The second day opened bright and fair. The quiet hut por- 
tentous hours of the night just passed, who that was there can 



HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DIUC 



95 



forget? At dawn the noise of battle is heard in all directions 
where caution were placed. 











While rest was enjoyed by many weary men over all the 
ground which must become the scene of the conflict of the sue- 



96 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

ceeding days, the officers were sleepless. A council of war 
was held early in the evening, and the contents of a circular 
which General Meade had issued to the generals on that morn- 
ing were fully and seriously discussed. It was plain to all that 
the commanding General was not in favor of holding Gettysburg 
as the permanent field of operations, and that the General's 
opinion was honest but clearly enough based on insufficient 
knowledge of the exigencies which had arisen, compelling the 
army to take the offensive at Gettysburg. The majority of the 
conference urged the expediency of remaining where they were 
while some of their number had become convinced that the com- 
manding General's plan would be the best — to concentrate on 
Clay Pipe Creek. Meade had been charged to intercept Lee and 
head off his invasion of Harrisburg and Philadelphia, and hav- 
ing learned that the rebel army was returning from its object of 
attack of those northern cities, he concluded to take more time 
for preparation and concentration and as a possible base of rebel 
attack had selected the location of Clay Pipe Creek. In fact 
Meade did not at first approve of the Gettysburg site for the 
battle, which fact a number of his ablest Generals shared. That 
the contents of Meade's order, or circular, to his subordinates 
had reached Reynolds before his untimely death is not known, 
neither could it have shaped the lamented General's plans to 
meet the sudden attack of the enemy if he had been apprised 
of Meade's wish. As an experienced General said on the oc- 
casion : "This proves how often the plans of a general are 
frustrated by unlooked-for contingencies." 

The details of the service our regiment rendered on the 2d 
and 3d days are difficult of description, but that they were 
among the troops who in very exposed positions lay behind the 
stone-walls, on the skirmish lines and before and behind the 
cannon in defense of the batteries planted on the most formidable 
and important part of the crest of Cemetery Hill, is clearly shown 
by the reports of the operations of the Brigade to which they 
belonged. 

The writer was on the ground during the days of the fierce 



HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE 97 

cannonading, assisting the ambulance corps in the removal of the 
wounded which had been carried from the field to the Lodge 
of the cemetery gate. Among these I have a distinct recollec- 
tion of finding two of my acquaintances, Samuel Lantz and Philip 
Ensley. I found John Koken near a fence where I dressed 
his wounds and as soon as there was room for him had him 
carried to the improvised hospital in the barn. The arched 
brick building forming the entrance to the citizens' cemetery 
was used at the time of the skirmishing on the front of the 
earthworks where the batteries were located. The house and 
its cellar was literally crowded with wounded men. Numbers 
of them died and were temporarily buried, while the wounded 
were conveyed by wagons to the barn hospital. In the work 
of removal of these men I returned each day under fire and 
these visits to this high ground gave me a chance to make ob- 
servations. I could only ascertain the whereabouts of my regi- 
ment by the few whom I had charge of, and judging from the 
locality where these wounded comrades were found — immediately 
in the vicinity of the cemetery. I distinctly remember hearing 
that some troops were corning to the support of ours which were 
supporting the battery. Late reports as published give the name 
of the troops as those of Colonel Carroll sent over by Hancock. 
Lieut. Moore (lately deceased) stated to the writer that one of 
the hottest places he and his detachment of skirmishers were 
placed in was immediately in front of the batteries on the hill. 
One of the strongest lines defended by our boys was that of the 
outer one of the several which were held in defense of our guns 
on the elevated ground. Individual comrades have repeatedly 
told of this fact ; and as our regiment was struck by the advance 
of the rebel charge at dusk on the 2d and retired to higher de- 
fenses, and also joined the infantry in the driving of the enemy 
down the hill after repulse, it is quite evident that our men were 
in the thickest of the fight of that day. Our regimental marker 
is therefore located on the outer skirmish line occupied by our 
detachments. Lieutenant Moore's reference to lying flat on the 
ground behind a stone fence facing rebel skirmishers agrees 



98 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

with the numerous references which commanders have made 
respecting the days and nights of skirmishing. And of the rebel 
sharp-shooters which did much more fatal work in the killing 
of men and officers than the batteries. 

There were thousands of these special marksmen scattered in 
every conceivable spot from which they could pick off our gun- 
ners and commanders. Our men frequently reported the dead- 
ly work this sly detachment of the enemy wrought throughout 
the battle. The fact that our men lay behind the stone fences 
for thirty-six hours, and that some of our boys were captured 
after having passed through the town is the clearest evidence 
that the defense (of the batteries) which they performed, was 
much of the time on the lower grounds in front of the cannon 
on the hill ; and the fact that the writer saw members of his 
Company (F) immediately behind the arched building at the 
entrance of the cemetery is also conclusive evidence that the 
153d Regiment was posted at one time with reference to de- 
fending the batteries on higher ground. One of the witnesses 
says it was after dark when the regiment returned to the ceme- 
tery, or in his own language, "moved back to the hill." Among 
these witnesses were Lieutenant Moore, John Rader, and John 
Heiney. One of them continues his testimony that "As the 
rebels fell back from the battery our men followed them down 
to a fence and sent pickets out towards the town." Lieutenant 
Moore gave the writer a long narrative of his experience car- 
ing for a wounded Confederate while out on the skirmish line. 
The suffering man received the kind. treatment with much thank- 
fulness and was greatly affected, even to tears. His actions 
were those of a vanquished foe hoping for mercy, but overcome 
with joy that such kindness should be extended to one who had 
forfeited all right to expect it. Other testimony says: "The 
regiment remained on the cemetery ground during the rest of 
the battle." I cannot with exactness state the day, but think it 
was the 2d, -when I saw our men lying behind the fences, but it 
was while I was nursing the wounded in the brick building that 
shot from the enemy's guns struck the building and were im- 



HONOR TO WHOM HONOR IS DUE 99 

bedded in the wall. While passing to the rear of the building to 
draw water from a well adjoining, the minie balls which flew 
thickly ministered much to my fears of being hit. Their "zip" 
was a swift reminder of danger and prompted a return to the 
building with more than ordinary celerity. I usually took with 
me a number of canteens as the large number of suffering men 
required very much water with which to satisfy their abnormal 
thirst, and to cleanse and alleviate their ghastly wounds. It was 
in the Eleventh Corps Hospital in the rear of the First Corps 
while in attendance, that I saw the death of Orderly Sergeant 
John Seiple. He was taken with lockjaw from the effect of a 
severe wound in the thigh. The meetings of citizens who had 
come to minister to their friends and relatives, were the saddest 
sights we were called upon to witness. Over 1500 wounded lay 
scattered over that camp of prostrated human beings. My at- 
tention was called to some special cases which were very af- 
fecting. One poor fellow's groans and loud cries for help were 
so distressing that it was enough to unnerve the stoutest heart 
Hundreds were lying with but feeble, or in most cases with no 
shelter, exposed to a cold incessant rain, against the sides of the 
barn, and in an orchard adjoining the sheds. Their moans were 
heard in every direction, and with a lantern I moved about from 
one to another during the long hours of the night. I reported and 
searched in vain for blankets to cover the suffering and dying. 
Among the mortally wounded in the wards of the barn was a 
handsome youth, a native of New England. His wound was in 
the region of the chest, and at every effort of coughing the suppu- 
ration was so offensive that to every one near him it was unen- 
durable. I visited him as often as my urgent work upon others 
would allow, and words cannot express the distressing pleas he 
made for my assistance. The barn floor was constructed with a 
partition making it a double threshing floor, with bays on either 
side. The maimed were placed with heads next the bays and the 
middle partition leaving a passageway at the feet of the patients. 
I had the care of about fifty men in the ward assigned me. 
Soldiers of both armies were treated with equal kindness. While 



IOO HISTORY OF THE I53D RKC.T. 

all was done that it was possible to do on the first day or two, no 
words can portray the pitiable condition, the more distressing 
because of the insufficient means immediately at hand, to relieve 
the large number of helpless men. The amputation work under 
an open shed presented the most ghastly sights that could be 
witnessed. 



The Operations of the Third Day. 

The battle of the third opened at 4 o'clock in the morning. The 
3d day like the 2d also had its fiery predecessor. The work be- 
fore our army on the opening of the day had been laid out by 
the terrible assaults of the evening before. Both sides were ac- 
tive during the night before making dispositions for the final con- 
flict of the fatal 3d day. It appears that Lee was certainly or- 
ganizing his forlorn hope, and about to execute the last act of his 
great desperation. The extremes of our line had resisted his 
full-armed assaults, and he had returned staggering to his for- 
mer positions. His humiliation was increased by the great dis- 
appointment over the miscarriage of his plans to have a grand 
attack simultaneously of Ewell on our extreme right, and Long- 
street's attack on our extreme left. 

On the morning of the 3d the word was passed along that Ewell's 
forces (Jackson's old Corps) had closed in upon Culp's Hill, 
and they were the troops that had created such a disturbance dur- 
ing the night before. They had witnessed the defeat of the 
boastful Ewell who had declared that he "would break our lines 
on our right or perish in the attempt." Neither occurred, though 
the assault of his great army against the line of the decimated 
Twelfth Corps had so nearly enveloped Culp's hill that it seemed 
miraculous that the first part of his threat was not fulfilled ; 
though the state of affairs at the close of the day were disheart- 
ening and did not offer positive assurances of success for the 
next day. I think both Seminary and Cemetery ridges had clouds 
of dismay hanging over them; those on the Confederate side 
being the heavier and of darker hue. The fiery ordeal through 



THE OPERATIONS OF THE THIRD DAY IOI 

which Lee's best troops had passed on the 2d day and evening, 
had not been reassuring as to possible meeting with any better re- 
sults in a renewal of an attack upon our lines. The night of the 
2d had been spent by the officers in spirited discussion as to the 
taking of offensive or defensive position on the morning of the 
t>(\. The hour was fast approaching when some well defined plan 
must be in readiness for execution. Many thousands of men were 
lying behind stone fences and entrenchments on the long well-es- 
tablished skirmish line to hold the formidable crest from Culp's 
Hill to Devil's Den, a distance of between two and three miles. 
The positions assigned (in some measure supplemental to those 
Howard and Slocum had already established) by Meade on his 
arrival, were the Fifth south of the Twelfth, the Sixth, on its 
arrival at 3 p. m. on the Tanneytown road in the rear of Round 
Top. Other dispositions by the approval of Meade (having found 
them here on his arrival at 3 a. m.) were, on the extreme right, 
Slocum (12th Corps), and one division of the First Corps on 
Culp's Hill, the Eleventh Corps on the round of Cemetery Hill, 
with two divisions of the First Corps next ; then Second Corps ; 
then the Third and the Fifth Corps on the extreme left; the 
Sixth Corps, as before stated, in reserve back of Round Top. 
The formation as thus outlined had reference to offensive opera- 
tions, but before Meade could decide on the hour of opening the 
attack on Lee, the rebel guns were already actively engaging the 
extremes of our line, a heavy skirmish encounter having been be- 
gun as early as 9 a. m. near the Peach Orchard about a mile from 
Round Top. It was the object of Lee to make a strong demon- 
stration on each end of the Union line so as to weaken the center 
by the removal of its troops to support the extreme points — 
Culp's Hill and Round Top, and then advance a powerful infantry 
force on the center with the object of cutting our army in two. 

I mention these operations on the extremes of our long field that 
the men of the 153d, who were the meanwhile (during the three 
days) defending the batteries on Cemetery Hill, and had no 
means of becoming acquainted with the fighting then going on 
over the entire field, may have a better idea of it. The leading 
commanders, who claim that the center and Round Tops were the 



102 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.CT. 

key to the situation, and that the mighty repulses there enacted 
were the crowning work that saved the day of Gettysburg, should 
be allowed full credit for the honesty of their military opinions, 
but in the review of reviews of the repeated assaults of the mighty 
army of the South, in the final judgment of the unbiased military 
critics the name of Cemetery Hill will be none the less luminous 
in the galaxy of events which crowned the victory on that world- 
famed battle field. 

While our men were sacrificing their dear lives in the trenches 
of the contending armies, and were confronting a great and a 
noble army of the enemy, they had very little knowledge of the 
confusion and uncertainty of the overtaxed and worried com- 
manders on whom so much of the success they were all hoping 
for depended. The two armies stood about one mile apart, and 
the mighty hosts of skirmishers who lay between in the trenches 
for days and nights with but short reliefs and occasional variety 
by change of position, were holding in their grip the destiny 
of the Nation with undaunted heroism. The Nation can never 
repay those men who there laid their lives upon the altar of their 
country. Without those suffering defenders of our homes there 
would be no meaning to that immortal speech on that blood-stained 
Hill, November 19, 1863 — four months after burial here of the 
thousands whom we left upon that sacred soil. Well did Lin- 
coln say as the survivors with weeping listened to the words : 

"In a larger sense we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot 
hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, 
have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract. The world 
will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never for- 
get what they did here.'' 

What a testimonial to your unflinching valor and long hours 
of privation and suffering in those ditches but a stone's cast from 
the resting place of the companions who fell by your side. Well 
may the living from all over this land make their pilgrimage to 
stand pensively at their graves. 

The main work before the Union troops on Cemetery Hill on 



THE OPERATIONS OF THE THIRD DAY 103 

the morning of the last day was the dispossession of the forces of 
Johnson's division of Ewell's Corps which had encroached upon 
General Geary's entrenchments during the night while he (Geary) 
had vacated them the evening before to go to the assistance of 
the hard pressed lines near the Round Top. Our artillery early 
in the morning, having taken favorable position during the night, 
began a terrific shelling of Johnson's troops, who had (fortunate- 
ly for our guns) no artillery on Culp's Hill. The reasons for 
his being without the service of his batteries was that the only 
place he could scale during the darkness was so steep and rocky 
that he could not get them up. Just across from where our regi- 
ment lay there took place one of the fiercest contests of the day, 
and lasted between 4 and 5 hours. The troops engaged were the 
old Stonewall Brigade, and that of Kane of Geary's division sup- 
ported by a portion of Slocum's troops and resulted in re-estab- 
lishing the defenses on Culp's Hill and causing Johnson to retire 
to Rock Creek, where he took account of stock and prepared to 
remove to his original position by dropping back to the "hill 
north and west" of the town. Here he "remained until the fol- 
lowing day, in the hope that we would give battle on ground of 
our own selection." So far as the men of the 153d have given 
information of the time they spent behind the stone fences and 
entrenchments during the heavy cannonade of the third day, their 
experience must have been of the most terrible character. John- 
son, the rebel general, closes his report of his repulse by saying 
that on his retirement he left about one-half of his troops on the 
line doing skirmish duty. Dungan, a commander of a regiment, 
states : 

"Late in the evening of the 2d instant, it advanced in the attack on this 
position, and bravely maintained its ground till within about ten paces of 
the enemy's works, when, from its reduced numbers in ranks, together 
with the strength of the enemy and his strong position, I ordered it back 
about 200 yards. It went into action with about 210 men and officers, and 
came out with a loss of 76 killed, wounded, and missing. On the 3d till 
about 10 o'clock at night, the regiment held its relative position, about 300 
paces in front of the enemy, when it retired with the brigade this side of 
Gettysburg." 



104 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

These quotations and statements of the rebel actions before 
Cemetery Hill, indicate clearly the kind of work our regiment had 
to do in its exposed position on the skirmish line and around the 
batteries, while 17,000 of the freshest and bravest men of Long- 
street's! army were making the last great charge known as 
"Picket's Charge," — the final act in the entertainment of the 
solemn situation. 

Lying within hearing, if not in sight, of the strong position at- 
tempted on the last day by the Confederates, our men were not 
called into action but remained in the same skirmish duties which 
had been assigned them the day before, and that they may now 
be apprised of what General Lee failed to reveal to them of the 
plans of the day, it will make it all the more interesting to our 
boys to have it appear that so great a man as Lee paid so much 
attention to them as to want all the information of their numbers 
and what they were doing in the plain before him and what sort 
of fortification was behind them on the rising ground for which 
he had no name, but which is known and will for all time be 
known as Cemetery Hill. This high crest was for all the hours 
of the campaign the object of Lee's serious contemplation; the es- 
tablishment of the Union forces on this highest part of the ridge 
(which the 153d assisted to support) had become no less impor- 
tant than any other point over that vast battle field. Speaking of 
the outcome of the conflict of the 1st day Lee continues : 

"Our own loss was heavy, including a number of officers, among whom 
were Major-General Heath, slightly wounded, and Brigadier-General 
Scales, who was severely wounded. The enemy retired to a range of hills 
south of Gettysburg, where it displayed a strong force of infantry and ar- 
tillery . . . the strong position which the enemy had assumed could not 
be attacked without danger of exposing the four divisions present, al- 
ready weakened and exhausted by a long and bloody struggle, to over- 
whelming numbers of fresh troops. General Ewell was, therefore, in- 
structed to carry the hill occupied by the enemy, if he found it prac- 
ticable, but to avoid a general engagement, until the arrival of the other 
divisions of the army, which were ordered to hasten forward. He de- 
cided to await the arrival of Johnson's division, which had marched from 



THE OPERATIONS OF THE THIRD DAY 105 

Carlisle by the road west of the mountains, to guard the trains of his 
corps, and consequently did not reach Gettysburg until a late hour. In 
the meantime the enemy occupied the point which General Ewell designed 
to seize, but in what force could not be ascertained, owing to the 
darkness." 

As history will require of us to be very candid, and a deep sense 
of truthfulness impels us to the presentation of this great cam- 
paign in strict compliance with facts as found in the reports of 
both sides of the conflict, it follows that some remarkable and 
perfectly unexplainable circumstances occurred during those days 
of the fiercest hostilities which shut us up to but one rational 
conclusion, namely: that an overruling Providence gave the vic- 
tory to the Union arms. This statement, on the part of your 
historian, is based on the several undeniable deliverances of the 
Federal army. 

In conclusion allow me to produce the following instances on 
which the enemy had actually pierced and partly taken possession 
of our most formidable positions. On the first day our two Corps 
on the north and west were driven back and through the town, 
leaving the ground strewn with our dead and wounded and the 
town possessed and fortified by the enemy for the three days of 
the conflict ; on the evening of the 2d day a portion of a battery 
well posted and strongly supported by infantry on Cemetery Hill, 
and very important entrenchments on Culp's Hill, had temporarily 
fallen into the hands of the enemy; on our extreme left the 
Peach Orchard, Devil's Den and Round Top had shared a similar 
fate; the enemy on our extreme right at 3 a. m. of the morning 
of the 3d, were holding an enveloping line starting near the Balti- 
more road and swinging round to the north and east, running 
westward through the barricaded town and stretching for miles 
on the rising ground on Seminary Ridge, ending in the dense 
woods swarming with Longstreet's on the southwest, on ground 
from which Sickles' brave troops had been driven the day before. 
On the fatal afternoon of the 3d all preparations having been 
made by the desperate enemy for the final assault, the great 
charge with all its horrors closed the drama of the bloody scenes 



I06 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

of Gettysburg. Let us briefly describe this terrible struggle : Be- 
hind the stone walls and sheltering earthworks composed of boul- 
ders, fence rails, trees and native rocks, our waiting troops be- 
held beneath them, a gray moving mass of 17,000 men just as over 
200 cannon on the opposing ridges had slackened their thundering 
roar, and when the enemy's advancing columns had reached within 
a few hundred feet of our line of infantry, suddenly, and as if 
from a new eruption of a volcano, a long and vivid flash broke 
forth from our entrenched line, making a veritable wall of fire. 
Space will not permit further details. General Hancock, Pennsyl- 
vania's hero, before whose Corps the main assault was made, 
gave a very full account, and from it we give a closing extract : 

"The colors of the different regiments were now advanced, waving in 
defiance of the long line of battle flags presented by the enemy. The 
men pressed firmly after them, under the energetic commands and ex- 
amples of their officers, and after a few moments of desperate fighting 
the enemy's troops were repulsed, threw down their arms, and sought 
safety in flight or by throwing themselves on the ground, to escape our 
fire. The battle flags were ours and the victory ours." 

We were honored with the association of many noble, cele- 
brated organizations constituting the personnel of the Eleventh 
Corps, and have been highly favored as a regiment, by the glow- 
ing accounts of deeds our associated regiments performed by 
our side. But for these (as we have elsewhere given credit) 
the historian would have less to say for his own regiment. 

In an address of James G. Carmichael, of the 147th N. Y., of 
the Eleventh Corps, speaking of the men who were on picket 
before their regiment on the disastrous 2d of May at Chancel- 
lorsville, says : 

"They had charge of the picket line the night before Jackson's charge 
occurred, and until the afternoon of the next day . . . the pickets that 
relieved ours in the afternoon of May 2d, were captured, and we barely 
had time to regain our command before the whirlwind of battle was upon 
us in the open field, with woods in front to protect our enemies, and our 
men exposed on all sides to merciless cross-fire. This regiment (was 



OBSERVATIONS BY THE HISTORIAN — CEMETERY RIDGE 107 

the 153d and) had been reduced by losses from 1000 men to (less than) 

800 when they came upon the field of the 1st day at Gettysburg. Here 
their loss was very great, and they were our neighbors." 



Observations by the Historian — Cemetery Ridge. 

There is no portion of the great Battle of Gettysburg with 
which the writer is so well acquainted, as the high ground on 
the south and southeast of the town. He was here a great portion 
of the time during the 2d and 3d days and watched with great 
interest to see the ascending smoke from the rebel cannon in 
the region of the Seminary. He slept near by the spot where 
General Howard had his headquarters. He stood on the very 
spot where the General with his Adjutant, General Meysenberg, 
stood when he surveyed the surrounding country westward on the 
first day. It was to this spot, the Cemetery Lodge, (a cut of 
which is shown) that General Howard rode after learning that 
on account of the death of Reynolds he was in command of the 
field. After giving orders to every department concerned he re- 
tired to this high point. Of this event he says : 

"This took but a few minutes, and then I rode slowly with my escort 
to the high ground near the cemetery gate, where I established my head- 
quarters. The cemetery had been already examined." 

He also stood here when the following orders were given : 

"(To Schurz) The First Corps is over there, (pointing westward) hold 
that ridge parallel with this ; Buford's cavalry, the most of it, is on the left. 
Prisoners show that a large force of Lee is already there. Place all re- 
serve batteries of your command on this hill (Cemetery Hill) leaving 
Steinwehr's division to support them. Send to the right of the First 
Corps north of Gettysburg the other two divisions (Barlow's and Schim- 
melphenning's) to give support to Doubleday. The headquarters for the 
day will be here." 

It was in the magnificent plan of the Commanding General to 
hold this Hill and as the sequel of the battle shows, it was the 
posting of Howard's old Eleventh Corps on the ground where 



108 HISTORY <>i'' THE I 5,}1> REGT. 

both the artillery and infantry could do most effective work that 
saved that portion of the crest known in all history as Cemetery 
Ridge. Howard says: 

"I immediately determined to hold the from line as long as possible; and 

when compelled to retreat from Seminary line, as I frit 1 would lie. to 

dispute the ground obstinately; but i" have all the time a strong position 
al the Cemetery, and one that 1 could hold until at least Sloctim and 
Sickles, with their eighteen thousand reinforcements, could reach the 
battlefield ; and possibly until the arrival of Meade and the whole army." 



Following Lee's Retreat from Gettysburg. 

A brief synopsis is all that your historian feels justified to pre- 
sent. It would require reporting details of a month's campaign, 
for it occupied nearly the whole of May to clear the State of 
the Rehel army. The annoyances Lee received on his long, 
weary march with his disorganized, disabled, demoralized, and 
greatly discouraged troops, is without parallel in the annals of 
the war. 

Meade did not ascertain until the 5th, that the enemy was 
withdrawing, for up to that time Lee had continued a hold front 
for some time after his trains of wounded and ammunitions had 
gone (Hit the Cashtown and Fairfield roads. Immediately on be- 
coming certain that Lee was retreating, Meade dispatched the 
Sixth Corps on the respective roads over which the enemy were 
hastily passing. Sedgwick (6th Corps) ascertained that Fairfield 
could he held by the retreating army with a small force, deemed 
it besl to return and report that fact to Meade, whereupon Meade 
sent a flanking force against Lee in the direction of Middletown, 
Md., in the valley between the Bull Run and Line Ridge Moun- 
tains, and below Fmmitsbnrg. French's army was then at 
Frederick, a few miles east of Bull Run Mountain, and his orders 
were to immediately cross over and occupy Harper's Ferry and 
the Turner's pass. Rut French, the alert soldier he was, had 
already sent over detachments to guard at Falling Waters and to 
Williamsport to destroy the bridges. General Buford, the Stuart 




LIST OF DRUMMER BOYS. 

i. Winfield S. Snyder, Co. G. 2. John Schmidt (Singer), Co. B. 3. tewis H. Abel, Co. A. 
4. George A. Eckert, Co. D. 5. Newton H. Mack, Co. K. 6. George W. Hayden Co B 7 
Darius 1 nomas, Co. E. 8. William R. Kiefer, Co. F. 9. Almver Neigh, Co. K. 10. Curtis V 
Strickland, Co. D. 11. Robert II. Wilson, Co. A. 12. Theodore Hester, Co. G. 



WELCOME HOME IOO, 

of the Federal cavalry, quickly hurried his men to Williams- 
port, an important crossing of the Potomac, and also to Hagers- 
town. Meantime Meade's main army had reached Middletown, 
and after procuring the necessary supplies and had gotten his 
trains up. moved through the mountains and continued harassing 
the enemy until he reached the Rapidan. Meade's army finally 
encamped near the Rappahannock. 

The point reached by the Eleventh Corps was Boonsborough 
and Funkstown, when the 153d Regiment was dismissed by 
reason of the expiration of its term. The regiment had reached 
Hagerstown. Here von Gilsa delivered his farewell address to 
the 153d Regiment. On the morning of the 14th the regiment 
started for home, passing through Funkstown, Boonsborough and 
Middletown, arriving at Frederick City in the evening. The next 
day it took train for Baltimore, where it arrived at about 7 o'clock 
in the evening, and after enjoying the hospitality of Baltimore, 
returned by rail to Harrisburg, where the boys roamed the old 
familiar town on arrival at noon of the 16th. 

The muster-out required a week, and early in the morning of 
the 25th, having been discharged the day before, the regiment 
left for home, arriving at Easton at 10 o'clock a. m. 



Welcome Home. 



The Welcome extended the soldiers of the One Hundred and 
Fifty-third Regiment excelled any reception ever given an army 
in the City of Easton. The 25th day of July was a day of 
thrilling interest, yet to some a sad one. Thousands of the 
citizens of the surrounding country thronged the streets to wit- 
ness the procession of returning soldiers and greet the dear ones 
who had escaped the perils of war. The scenes of many of the 
meetings were enough to melt the most stolid heart. Aged par- 
ents, sisters and brothers, and shy, but joyful sweethearts, mingled 
in the happy crowd. The homes along the streets were decorated 
with bunting and everywhere were demonstrations of gladness. 
The wounded in carriages presented a most pathetic sight. The 



110 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

bands and drum corps never played so well. The military es- 
cort was superb. 

The collation at the Fair Grounds was the best the land af- 
forded. The address of welcome was historic, and the narration 
of the deeds of the returned soldiers was a fine memorial of the 
patriotism of the brave men. The allusion to those who had 
fallen in battle was most touching, and cast a shadow of sorrow 
over the throng. 

At the close of the exercises Colonel Glanz was presented, in 
an appropriate speech, by Captain Howard Reeder. with a beau- 
tiful sword, which was gratefully acknowledged in a few brief 
remarks bv the beloved commander of the regiment. 



The Reception of Company B. 

At a county meeting in Rath, in the month of June, a Commit- 
tee of Reception was appointed. The men upon that honorable 
Committee were Caleb Yohe, Wm. Wilson and J. B. Sweitzer. 
These gentlemen were charged with the pleasant duty of arrang- 
ing the details of the public reception. At that meeting the 
battle of Gettysburg had not yet been fought, and all the men 
of the regiment who had survived Chancellorsville were expected 
home by loving friends. But who can measure the sorrow of 
the circle to whose homes the anticipated meeting was turned to 
grief. Language cannot paint it : the gloom hung like a pall over 
very many stricken families. 

The Roll of Honor of the Comrades who died in the Service 
will be some measure of compensation, though the vast majority 
of those who then mourned have themselves passed over the last 
stream to greet the dear ones who never returned from the war. 



COLONEL VON GILSA S FAREWELL ADDRESS III 

Colonel von Gilsa's Farewell Address. 

"Officers and soldiers of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers : 

I cannot permit you to leave for your homes without addressing to you 
a few parting words. It is with the deepest regret that I see you mus- 
tered out of the brigade, for, during your stay here, myself and the regi- 
ments of this brigade have become so fondly attached to you, that the gap 
which your departure from this brigade opens, will be most deeply felt, 
and hard to fill again. 

I must give you this testimony, and I do so with the greatest satisfac- 
tion, that you have, on every occasion, done your duty in the fullest 
sense of the term ; with the deepest devotion have you ever remained 
faithful to the oath >ou had taken. 

I am an old soldier, but never did I know soldiers who, with greater 
alacrity and more good will, endeavored to fulfill their duties. In the 
battle of Chancellorsville you have, like veterans, stood your ground 
against fearful odds, and, although surrounded on three sides, you did 
not retreat until by me commanded to do so. In the three days' battle 
at Gettysburg, your behavior has put many an old soldier to the blush, and 
you are justly entitled to a great share of the glory which my brigade 
has won for itself, by repulsing the two dreaded Tiger Brigades of Jack- 
son. In the name of your comrades of the First Brigade and myself, I 
now bid you a cordial farewell. Whenever you look back with pride 
upon the time of your service, remember your comrades, who now part 
from you with painful regrets. Think sometimes of your commander, 
who ever will consider you as a dear member of his numerous family, 
and who will always recollect with pride that you have given him satis- 
faction and pleasure. 

But remember, also, the braves in your midst, who fell on the field of 
honor, who have sealed with their death the truth of the oath they had 
sworn. Remember, likewise, the poor relicts of these fallen ones. Be 
ever a friend to them in the hour of necessity, and evince your grati- 
tude to the Almighty that he has mercifully shielded you, by taking charge 
of the widows and orphans of your fallen comrades, by never forsaking 
them, and lending them a helping hand whenever they need it. In the 
same manner be a friend to the poor invalids, who, though sound and 
right at heart, return to their beautiful hearthstones infirm and sick in 



112 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

body. God will most richly recompense you for the good you do them. 
Farewell, comrades, God be with you ! Lovingly remember your com- 
rades remaining on the field of battle, and your old brigade commander. 

LEOPOLD VON GILSA, 
Commanding First Brigade, First Division." 
Eleventh Corps D'Armee. 



The Kegimental Flag. 

A regiment should have two flags; one for the State and the 
regular flag of the Nation. Our color-bearer was John Henning, 
of Portland. His appointment dated from January, 1863. He 
was in possession of the flag during the entire service of the regi- 
ment and many were the days it floated in the breeze over the 
tent of the Colonel. The staff was broken in the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville. The colors stood over the rifle pits near the Chan- 
cellorsville House before midnight of the opening day of the 
battle, and all clay Sunday, and was borne over the pontoons 
on the night of the 5th, and reached the old camp ground with the 
body of the regiment on the 6th. Its faithful bearer, whose photo 
stands by the side of the old ensign, carried it in the battle of the 
first day at Gettysburg, and on the evening of that memorable day 
planted "Old Glory" on the ramparts of Cemetery Hill, where it 
waved during the three eventful days of the battle. The flag was 
sorely wounded in this battle. It led the triumphant command in 
its pursuit of the retreating enemy down to Hagerstown. It was 
for many years in possession of the Colonel and the Lieutenant 
Colonel and had often been displayed on special occasions when 
the old regiment tramped the streets. It was always the idolized 
flag of the loyal soldier and his many friends. When the old 
colors of the regiments of the State were assigned a safe en- 
casement in the Capitol at Harrisburg the familiar bunting with 
its insignia of service and maimed staff was given a resting 
place among the honored standards of the Old Keystone State. 
Though tattered and faded, and its form is a mere shadow of its 
former self, its glory has not departed. 



STANDING ON CEMETERY HILE 



"3 




Color-Bearer John Henning. 



Standing on Cemetery Hill. 

Here on this spot, one of the three forming the pivotal center of 
the famous Cemetery Ridge, the writer stood forty-six years 
ago. Here nearly a half century ago the thunder of those hun- 
dreds of cannon reverberated on these and the distant hills over 
this historic valley of death. Here the most distinguished 
geniuses of the age contested the disputed rights and sectional 



114 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

issues of the greatest Civil, national strife. Here powerful armies 
engaged in the decisive conflict. Here our fallen comrades were 
among the thousands who gave their lives for their country, 
and consecrated these memorial fields and hills with their blood, 
and covered the world-renowned arena with imperishable glory. 
To this spot where our dear comrades lie, gathering generations 
will continue to come to read the inscriptions on the marble and 
granite marking the resting place of the Nation's dead ; the dead 
whose deeds of heroism will continue to be commemorated to the 
end of days. Here events occurred whose significance and glory 
will last as long as these natural rocks and chiselled granite en- 
dure. Here for centuries of all time the same stars that shone on 
the mangled forms of our mortally wounded comrades during 
those nights of awful suffering will keep sentinel over the ashes 
of those who, dear to us, sleep here. 

In many important respects this was the most salient spot of .the 
several prominent elevations of that vast field. The reasons are 
abundant. From this spot General Meade made his careful and 
earliest observations on his arrival on the morning of the second 
day. General Howard makes the following reference to the 
event : 

"Slocum, Sickles and myself remained together that night (of the first) 
near the Cemetery lodge and the good keeper's wife refreshed us with hot 
coffee. A little after three o'clock in the morning. July 2d, General 
Meade with his staff came to where we were reclining and soon asked 
me concerning the situation. I said, 'I am confident we can hold this 
position.' General Sickles, who was near, added in his clear shrill voice, 
'It is a good place to fight from. General.' General Meade replied, 'I am 
glad to hear you say so, gentlemen, for it is too late to leave it.' Meade 
and I then rode along the lines behind the soldiers sleeping on their arms. 
These lines were yet thin, but Meade said, 'The other corps are near at 
hand.' We rode to the cemetery to the point where the soldiers' monu- 
ment now stands, and while I explained matters. General Meade surveyed 
the hill and its environments through his field glass as well as he could 
in the early dawn. . . . Meade now saw for the first time the Cemetery 
Ridge very like a fortification ; on the north terminated by Rock Creek 



STANDING ON CEMETERY HILL 115 

and near the right of us could be seen Culp's Hill, a rough, rocky, wooded 
knoll. Running his eye from Culp's Hill around the curve of the 
cemetery front and then turning to his left, he noticed the trees of Zieg- 
ler's grove. Beyond that was the lower ground ascending southward to 
an abrupt, rocky spur called Little Round Top. Beyond this he saw in 
the distance the highest point of all, a more prominent hill covered thickly 
with a forest, called Big Round Top. This outline which his eye had 
traversed was like 3 great fish hook with the concavity toward him, the 
barb at McAllister's Mill, the bend at the cemetery, and the shank extend- 
ing southward along the stone wall to Little Round Top. From end to 
end this line with its sinuosities was five miles long." 

It was at this point where General Schurz met Howard on his 
arrival in advance of the two divisions over the Tanneytown road, 
and from here they surveyed the entire field on the north of the 
town and settled the location the Eleventh Corps was to occupy 
as soon as it should arrive on the ground. This point commanded 
a range of five miles, east, north, and west. This central position 
was the most important for either side to select in the initial and 
also to hold in the final part of the three days' fighting. All mili- 
tary critics agree that the gaining of this crest by Lee would have 
doomed the Federal cause. From this point as possibly from no 
other on the vast field our Eleventh Corps could redeem its ap- 
parent lost prestige. It seems that the old Eleventh was pre- 
destinated to be the pioneer Corps to receive the onslaughts of 
the two great battles in which it was engaged, and hold back the 
overwhelming Confederate forces until reinforcements could ar- 
rive. This was ?11 that any General could do under the circum- 
stances in which our Corps had the misfortune to be placed on 
the first day. 



Il6 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

A General's Testimonial. 

General Slocum referring to the battle of Gettysburg at the 
dedication of New York's monument said : 

"The duty assigned to me to-day was to speak of the operations of 
Culp's Hill (near the foot of which the 153d had its position in defence of 
those higher grounds) . Every Confederate report shows that on their 
side it was regarded as of great importance. How near we came losing 
it is shown in the report of General Ewell. Speaking of operations at 
the close of the first day, he says : 'The enemy had fallen back to a 
commanding position known as Cemetery Hill. On entering the town I 
received a message from the commanding general to. attack this hill if I 
could do so to advantage. I could not bring the artillery to bear on it, 
and all the troops with me were jaded by twelve hours' marching and 
fighting. I determined to take possession of a wooded hill to my left on 
a line with and commanding Cemetery Hill. Before Johnson got up, the 
enemy was reported moving to outflank our extreme left, and I could see 
what seemed to be his skirmishers in that direction. I received orders 
soon after dark to draw my corps to the right in case it could not be 
used to advantage where it was. I represented to the commanding gen- 
eral that the hill above referred to was unoccupied by the enemy, as re- 
ported by Lieutenants Turner and Early, who had gone upon it, and it 
commanded their position and made it untenable so far as I could judge. 
He decided to let me remain, and on my return to headquarters, after 12 
o'clock at night, I sent orders to Johnson by Lieutenant Turner to take 
possession of this hill if he had not already done so. 

General Johnson stated in reply to this order that he had sent a recon- 
noitering party to the hill with orders to report as to the position of the 
enemy with reference to it. This party, at or near the summit, was met 
by a superior force of the enemy, which succeeded in capturing a portion 
of the reconnoitering party; the rest of it making its escape. 

During this conversation with General Johnson, a man arrived, bringing 
a dispatch dated at twelve midnight, taken from a Federal courier mak- 
ing his way from General Sykes to General Slocum, in which the former 
stated that his corps was then halted four miles from Gettysburg, and 
would resume his march at 4 a. m. Day was breaking and it was now 
too late for any change of place.'" 



LETTERS FROM GENERAL HOWARD 117 

In General Lee's report of the operations at the time he says 
he had commanded General Ewell on the 2d day to attack the 
right of the Federal position (Culp's and Cemetery Hill) simul- 
taneously with Longstreet's on the extreme left. (The writer 
was eye-witness to the repulse of the rebels on the low grounds 
in front of these hills). Between the clouds of smoke from the 
musketry I could see men march, throwing up their caps and 
shouting, in the charge. Ewell's attack was not made until one 
hour after Longstreet opened on the south. The delay of Ewell 
prevented him realizing how nearly he came capturing the works 
our engineers were throwing up on the hills. 



Letters from General Howard. 

"Newton H. Mack, Secretary. 
Dear Sir : 
I thank you very much for your letter to me. For some reasons I 
had not seen before this time what Colonel von Gilsa said of the 153d 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Certainly it is a very nice tribute 
which he gave to the fidelity and gallantry of the regiment. 

The right division at Chancellorsville was commanded by General Charles 
Devens. The brigade to which you belonged with a portion of a battery, 
held the extreme right of his line. Of course I expected him and his 
division to hold on until he could be reinforced by all our reserves. Surely 
if every regiment had done its duty as well as the 153d Pennsylvania did, 
according to Colonel von Gilsa's report, it would have taken even Stone- 
wall Jackson much longer than was the case to displace the division and 
the corps. 

I shall be glad to see a copy of the history of the regiment, and con- 
gratulate you and the men still living upon the excellence of their record. 

Very truly yours, 
OLIVER O. HOWARD, 
Major-General U. S. Army." 

To W. R. Kiefer, Historian: 

"As you have touched upon Chancellorsville. let me say that Gen. Fitz- 
hugh Lee told me that Jackson's lines would not have extended beyond 



Il8 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

von Gilsa's right had he not from his (Fitzhugh Lee's) reconnoitering 
ascertained the exact location. As soon as he did so he rode back and 
guided Jackson a half mile northwestward. Jackson immediately re- 
turned to his troops and marched his whole command at least a half 
mile further, so that he must have overlapped von Gilsa's right by at 
least a quarter of a mile. His lines were over two miles long. They 
came toward us with an irregular rather than an elliptic front, as Col- 
quitt's command did not participate in the first assault. 

I could not answer with reference to which regiment was first struck, 
nor which first retired. You have probably found the facts with refer- 
ence to that. The right brigade supported Dickman's two guns, and, as 
1 understand, the 153d Penna. and the 41st New York were to the right 
of this section of the battery. 

\ow for Gettysburg. I did notify Gen. Doubleday as soon as it was 
possible to do so after General Reynolds' death was reported to me. It 
could not have been more than twenty-five minutes after I received the 
report on Fahnestock's Observatory, near the Court House, before 
Doubleday had the information. I was in absolute command of the 
field from that time, about eleven o'clock, until Hancock came, which 
was between four and five p. m., according to the same record of time 
which 1 bad all day. I did not know that Hancock was actually in 
command as he gave me no order whatever until I received Meade's 
order, and that was after Gen. Slocum's arrival. I recognized, how- 
ever. Hancock's authority, because, as he said, Gen. Meade had sent him 
to represent him (Meade) on the field. I found some time after the battle 
thai Gen. Meade did not know of my arrival at Gettysburg until after he 
had sent Hancock from him. 

You ask, 'Did you select Cemetery Ridge?' My answer is that I 
spent considerable time in reconnoitering after my arrival on the field, 
while my command (the nth Corps) was coming up by two separate 
roads. I saw clearly then that the Cemetery Ridge should be the place 
for a defensive stand, and by Cemetery Ridge I mean the whole country 
from Culp's Hill to Little and Big Round Top. It is plain that I did 
select the line from all my operations subsequent to Reynolds' death. I 
put my reserve artillery there and also my headquarters, and Steinwehr's 
division in support of the artillery, and then I hold the most positive testi- 
mony of several officers now living who were with me, that I did make 



LETTERS FROM GENERAL HOWARD 119 

the selection of the position. The contention against me has been sim- 
ply that somebody else suggested the position to me. Some say Rey- 
nolds, other say a civilian residing in the city, but all this is simply not 
true. 

You say, 'How long were you in command?' Everybody acknowledges 
that I was in command five hours. After that Hancock and I worked 
together without conflict. 

'How long was Hancock in full command?' Two hours and a half, 
for it was about 7.30 when Hancock and myself met and talked with 
Slocum. At my request Slocum had sent up his two divisions long be- 
fore that. 

'How long was Schurz in command of the nth Corps?' From the time 
of his arrival on the field until about 7.30 p. m., because I did not for- 
mally resume command of my corps until that hour. 

'Was Stahl in command?' I do not know. We will have to look to the 
Rebellion Records for answer to that. 

You say, 'Where did the 153d take position?' On Cemetery Ridge, I 
suppose you mean? On what I call the round of the Cemetery Ridge, 
as I think, partly to the north of the Baltimore pike and partly to the 
south of it. Von Gilsa's brigade was located in support of the batteries 
near the position where the line turned from its northward to its east- 
ward trend. I could not answer you in detail with reference to the ceme- 
tery gateway. Doubtless your own recollection is clearer on that sub- 
ject. It was near and east of that building where Sickles, Slocum and 
myself waited for General Meade, having our headquarters a little apart 
from each other. 

'Exactly where did the hand-to-hand episode over a battery take place?' 
A large portion of the brigade was between the turning point and Culp's 
Hill, and the struggle for the battery was behind the infantry line. 
Your regimental reports ought to tell you the detail which you desire 
with reference to that specific conflict. 

'Did the regiment have any part in the defense of Culp's Hill?' Lieut. 
Col. Otto took three regiments with him — I cannot tell which three 
without further search. Otto reported to General George S. Green on 
the night of the 2d of July and participated in the defense of Culp's 
Hill. 



120 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Now returning to Chancellorsville, I think you are right when you say 
that only about 700 of the 153d Penna. were in line; but I must refer 
for further detail to the Rebellion Records, especially to the regimental 
reports. I understood that von Gilsa's whole brigade was on the north 
side of the old turnpike at Chancellorsville, that and the section of 
the battery to which you have referred. 

The above are the best answers I can make to the questions you pro- 
pound to me, and I give them without giving the time needed to verify 
my statements. 

With reference to Chancellorsville, thus far I have never seen any 
statement from any General as to what I ought to have done which I 
did not do, except what has come from the pen of Gen. Schurz. The 
simple truth is, that had General Hooker realized for one moment that 
General Lee was sending the great bulk of his Army around his right 
flank under the cover of the forest, he should have thrown the 5th 
Corps at once to fill the gap of more than two miles between my Corps 
and the Rapidan, that is, extended his right by at least one Army Corps. 
This he doubtless would have done had he not believed that Lee was in 
full retreat. I sent to General Hooker the day of the attack, by swift 
horseman, every iota of information which I could get, and, as I under- 
stand, his headquarters had information even more direct than mine. 

Very sincerely yours, 

OLIVER O. HOWARD, 
Major-General, etc.. (Retired) . 

Daniel A. Skelly, a merchant of Gettysburg, was a young man 
at the time of the battle, and has given the writer the following 
valuable information respecting the Eleventh Corps, and especially 
items of rare interest to the 153d Regiment. Fahnestock's Ob- 
servatory, from which General Howard made his observations 
of the field northwest of the town on the morning of the 1st of 
July, is the store building in which Mr. Skelly now conducts 
business, though some changes have been made in the building. 
He was standing on the sidewalk at the store when at about 10.30 
a. m. Howard rode up accompanied by his aides and stopped im- 
mediately in front of the Court House on the corner opposite the 
store. An aide dismounted and tried to secure an entrance to the 
Court House so as to get to the roof for observation. Seeing 



LETTERS FROM GENERAL HOWARD 121 

there was no possibility of the General's getting up Mr. Skelly 
ran across the street and informed him that there was a small 
place of outlook on the top of the store and volunteered to con- 
duct the General and his aides to the top of the building. Mrs. 
Col. E. G. Fahnestock, Isaac L. Johns, Augustus Bentley and Mr. 
Daniel A. Skelly, all of Gettysburg, accompanied General Howard 
to the place of observation. R. M. Elliott, a resident, informed 
the writer that he saw Mr. Skelly notify the General of the place 
on the store. 

Mr. Skelly continues: Howard received the notice of the 
death of Reynolds while on the observatory and immediately came 
down and gave orders, one of which was to Steinwehr. He also 
sent an order to the Regimental bands requesting them to play 
lively airs. Mr. Skelly also states that Buford arrived on the 
ground the day before the arrival of Howard, and that his cavalry 
encamped beyond the Seminary, while Devin's cavalry encamped 
beyond the Penna. College. Reynolds came through the town 
between 8 and 9 a. m. on the first. He saw him and his staff as 
they passed up the Chambersburg Pike. Buford made his ob- 
servations from the Seminary cupola. It has for a long time been 
a matter of uncertainty as to the exact street through which the 
First Brigade (to which the 153d belonged) passed when it left 
the Emmitsburg pike. Mr. Skelly took the writer over the entire 
ground on the north end of the town and fully explained the 
many changes which since the war have occurred in the formation 
of building sites and the erection of houses and public buildings, 
by which the open field into which our regiment entered on its 
arrival on the first day, is now largely covered by the improve- 
ments of that side of the town. Our regiment occupied a front 
position in the line as we entered the town. Our arrival was at 
about 12.30. General Howard says : 

"After 12.30 Barlow's head of column appeared on the Emmitsburg 
road. Leaving my Chief -of-Staff to direct matters at headquarters at 
the cemetery, I took two or three of my staff and joined Barlow, and 
rode with him through Gettysburg." 

This cavalcade of officers was particularly noticed by many of 



122 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

the boys. The wounding of General Barlow occurred soon after 
the death of Reynolds. The death of Lieutenant Beaver also 
occurred about the same time of the wounding of Barlow. The 
tidings of these serious losses flashed through the regiment in 
the evening of the first day. General Barlow was reported to 
be mortally wounded and his wife, who was at the headquarters 
on Cemetery Hill, was kindly notified through the courtesy of a 
rebel officer and she was conducted through the lines and ten- 
derly ministered to her husband. Similar instances of fraternal 
kindness are elsewhere reported by Lieutenant Jonathan Moore 
and Captain Geo. H. Young. 



Narratives of the Comrades. 

From the numerous and often divergent accounts of the battle 
of Chancellorsville rendered by officers and privates of many or- 
ganizations, it becomes an immense undertaking for the historian 
to get at the exact details of the battle. As it is the sincere desire 
of the writer to be perfectly truthful and candid, and to be in a 
measure relieved from the great responsibility of stating some 
things which would not reflect credit upon some men who are 
charged with dereliction, he has adopted the plan of allowing the 
individual, wherever possible, to speak for himself. It is, how- 
ever, very evident to the intelligent man that some discrimination 
must be allowed the historian and that he is in a strict sense the 
custodian of the integrity of the history as a whole. 

The authorities of the State, who are charged with the respon- 
sibility of the propriety and authenticity of these histories, will 
require that the main facts which relate to the itinerary, service 
of the regiment, and roster, be well substantiated. 




Colonel Chas. Glanz. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 123 

Col. Charles A. Glanz. 

Colonel Charles Glanz in command of the 153d Regiment was 
at the time of the organization of the regiment a resident of Eas- 
ton, engaged in the brewery business. He was of German birth, 
having received a College education at the age of 21, and occupied 
important positions in his native country. He came to this coun- 
try in the year 1845, preferring the advantages of our free in- 
stitutions to any office under a monarchical government. After 
spending some time in Philadelphia and Pottsville he came to Eas- 
ton, where he entered his business in 1852. In 1857 he received 
an appointment by President Buchannan, of consul to Stettin on 
the Baltic. On his return from Germany he was elected Cap- 
tain of the Company known in Easton as the Jaegers, his com- 
mission by Governor Packer dating June, 1859. 

Raised to war fever at the firing of Sumpter he was among 
the first to respond to his country's call. To him belongs the 
honor of being the first Captain of uniformed militia, who ten- 
dered his services to the Government, and was accepted. On the 
23d of April, 1861, he was commissioned Major of the Ninth Pa. 
Volunteers by Governor Curtin, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg. 
Here he held the position of Assistant Commanding officer until 
the regiment was ordered to Winchester. He participated in 
the skirmish of Falling Waters, Virginia, with his regiment, and 
on August 2.0th, 1862, he received a letter from the Executive 
Office, Military Department, requesting him to raise a regiment 
for the nine months service. Such was his popularity and prompt 
action that on the 25th day of September, thirty-six days after 
receiving instructions, his regiment, nine hundred and ninety- 
one men, was on the way to Camp Curtin, and on the nth of 
October was mustered into the United States Service. His Com- 
mand was attached to the nth Corps, commanded by General 
Franz Sigel. Colonel Glanz was with his regiment in the battle 
of Chancellorsville, in which they suffered most severely, being 
attacked by the enemy in very superior force, abandoned by their 
support, the regiment was forced to retreat. In the great eagerness 
of the fight and not hearing: the command to retreat on account of 



124 HISTORY OF THE; 153D REGT. 

the noise of the fray, did not retire until completely flanked on 
right, rear and left, they barely escaped capture. The Colonel, not 
being able to move with the agility of the men, was taken 
prisoner together with two of his officers and thirty-three of his 
men. Being taken to Libby prison he was confined for a period 
of forty-five days, was finally exchanged at City Point and re- 
joined his regiment at Goose Creek on the 16th of June. His 
presence once more among the comrades was an hour of much 
joy. 

From great debility occasioned by the prison treatment he was 
unable to endure the march to Gettysburg. General Howard mean- 
time ordered him to Washington, where under kind treatment he 
sufficiently recovered to return home. 

The regiment was mustered out of service on July 24th, and on 
its arrival in Easton the Colonel shared in the great ovation. The 
occasion will long linger in the memory of the survivors. The 
pleasure of the reception was greatly increased by the incident of 
the presentation of a fine sword, the gift of the officers and mem- 
bers of the regiment. The Colonel died in the year 1880. 

The following is a copy of a letter the Colonel wrote his wife 
during his imprisonment : 

"Libby Prison, May 20, 1863. 
My dear wife : 

I wrote to you on the nth and 17th this month, and I hope you received 
both letters. Do not think hard of my writing but a few lines, for our 
chances for writing are limited and the order is to write but 8 lines. 
Every letter is read. I understand that to-morrow a boat under a flag 
of truce will leave and I hurry to write a few lines. Perhaps we shall 
be sent off with it, but this is uncertain. A few captains and doctors 
will however leave, and I take this opportunity to send this letter with a 
heart full of true affectionate love for you my dear Elizabeth and our be- 
loved children. I am well so far, but my heart wishes it day and night 
that the hour of release and parole might soon come. As long as I am 
well I shall not complain but await with patience the time to leave this 
place. I wrote in both letters for a new suit to be made by Richards of 
Dorter's blue military cloth. A blouse with 2 pockets inside and one 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 



125 



outside, and two rows of buttons. One vest with pocket inside, and a 
pair of pants as usual. I repeat this on account that you might not have 
received my letters. Whenever I shall telegraph for the suit, send a 



arfT- & 



r-A » 








t; 7 . 


'3S 




t 


i ■ ' 


i ( 




i > 




gj ; 




5". \ 




*\ > 


i * ■ ?»* ■ * ■ 


r4 '. 


i '■■. 





couple of woolen shirts along, made to fashion, so that I can wear them 
without vest on. My clothing I have on I have to bury (for reasons you 
can easily imagine). Did you hear from Henry? If you write to him will 



126 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

you ask him about my horses? I do not know what became of them, and 
whether they are safe with the regiment. Tell him to have them treated 
right ; and that Knowles should also know about them. I shall write to 
you as soon as we land at Annapolis, or somewhere else. I hope you 
will keep well, my beloved wife, and think often with a true heart of your 
Charles, who loves you so dearly. Kiss our dear Sarah and Edwin in my 
name, and be not troubled about me. Our Lord has taken me safely out 
of the danger of battle, and I trust will relieve me soon from this un- 
pleasant condition. 

From your true, affectionate husband, 

C. GLANZ." 



Lieutenant Colonel Dachrodt. 

The inborn military spirit and patriotic impulses of Lieutenant 
Colonel Dachrodt prompted him to the organization of a Com- 
pany in response to President Lincoln's call for 75.000 men in 
the year 1861. This noble act of our Colonel had given him a 
prestige which gained for him the esteem and well-placed con- 
fidence of the men who early sought enlistment in the command 
of which he should become one of the distinguished leaders. Great 
honor will ever enshrine his name as it appears on the Ros- 
ter of the State of Pennsylvania and of the illustrious County 
of Northampton! 

He never ceased his interest in the welfare and society of 
the veterans who for nearly a half century were proud of his 
record and name. He was a charter member of the Lafayette 
Post, No. 217, of the G. A. R. of Easton, having been its first 
senior Vice Commander in 1881. He was a member of the City 
Council in 1853, and was elected to the Legislature of the State 
in the year 1886. After retirement from the war he entered 
business, in which he had a long and successful career, having 
for all those years enjoyed the well-earned esteem of military 
men, and moved in society a noble specimen of patriotic citizen- 
ship of our loyal and historic city. 

He died June 4. 19a). at his residence in Easton. He had 




i,t. Colonel Jacob Dachrodt. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 12"J 

been confined to his bed since January. He had attained the 
age of 8 1 years. 

The Free Press of even date in a notice of his death says, 
"On April 20, 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, First Penna. Regt., 
of which Col. S. S. Yohe was Commander, and re-enlisted for 
nine months in the 153d Regt. of which he was Lieutenant 
Colonel, and that he was wounded at Chancellorsville on May 
2, 1863." 



Letter from Major Frueauff. 

Headquarters of One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, Pa. 

Vols., Camp near Brooks Station, Va., May 16, 1863. 
Colonel Samuel Yohe, Provost Marshal of Twenty-third Con- 
gressional District, Easton, Pa. 

Colonel : Inasmuch as you are the power appointed to watch 
over the interests of the Government at home, and to sustain the 
army in the field, both by sending men forward, and by protecting 
those in the same from the slanders of traitors, and the lying 
tongues of misnamed friends, I take the liberty of sending you 
a truthful account of the doings of the One Hundred and Fifty- 
third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the unsuccess- 
ful reconnoissance across the Rappahannock. 

It, with the other regiments of the Eleventh Corps, broke camp 
on Monday, April 27th, and marched to the neighborhood of 
Hart wood Church. On Tuesday morning at four o'clock, after 
a short night's rest, moved on to Kelley's Ford, arriving there 
after noon. On this second day of the march, which you, as an 
old soldier, well know is always the most trying, the regiment did 
well, and the stragglers from it formed a very small number of 
those brought up in the rear by the provost guard. On the same 
evening at eleven o'clock, camp was broken, and in silence, our 
corps was the first to cross the pontoons, and penetrate the dark- 
ness and swamps of the southern side of the Rappahannock, 
where but a few hours rest were given, when we moved on, pro- 
ceeding, during Wednesday, to the Rapidan River, near Germania 



128 HISTORY Ol- THE I53D REGT. 

Mills. Again, in the night, between one and four, in a heavy 
rain, the Corps crossed upon a narrow and dangerous bridge, 
momentarily expecting an attack, having had, during the day, 
our rear harassed by some of the rebel artillery. Thursday, we 
advanced along the plank road to its junction with the turnpike 
at Peck's farm, about two miles west of Chancellorsville. Dur- 
ing Thursday night full rest was given, and on Friday General 
Howard made the disposition of our Corps in three lines of 
battle. To the First Brigade, First Division, Colonel Leopold 
von Gilsa commanding, was given the extreme right, and was 
posted as follows: On the left, in the line of battle behind some 
brush-heaps on the far side of the turnpike road, the Forty-first 
New York Volunteers in line of battle. Then the Forty-fifth 
New York Volunteers in the same line, and supporting a sec- 
tion of artillery commanding the road. From the cannon and 
the right of the Forty-fifth New York, at right angles to the 
turnpike, through the woods and across a road leading into the 
turnpike, supported on the right by the Fifty-fourth New York 
Volunteer Infantry, stood the One Hundred and Fifty-third 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, more as a close line of skir- 
mishers, than a regular line of battle, being ordered to stand 
three feet apart. In this position Saturday noon found them. 

Information was brought that an attack was expected on the 
right flank, and skirmishers were thrown forward into the woods, 
who, about five o'clock in the afternoon, reported that the rebels 
were massing and approaching. Hardly had the information 
been brought in. and the line called into readiness, when the toot- 
ing of numberless small bugles was heard, the whizzing of balls 
began, and the explosion of shells over and alongside of every- 
body clearly demonstrated that the rebels were in force, a fact 
which the thirty-five cavalry men allowed for the protection of 
the extreme right of the whole Army of the Potomac had here- 
tofore not been able to discover. 

The rebels advanced, closed in mass on the three sides of the 
right with their whole force concentrated on the one point of 
our long line, enfilading the brush barricade behind which the 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 120, 

brigade was placed, and rushing over the cleared space in front 
of the lines. After the first volley, the Forty-fifth New York, 
accompanied by the two pieces of artillery, sought refuge in a very 
rapid change of base, and soon after the Fifty-fourth New York 
also retired. After both supports had withdrawn in mass, the 
One Hundred and Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers still stood 
and as a regiment gave a parting volley to the enemy, which rebel 
prisoners report to have fearfully mowed down the ranks of the 
advancing First Virginia Brigade. Then the order to retreat 
was given, and the One Hundred and Fifty-third certainly with- 
drew for the purpose of having men left to fight again. Several 
vain attempts were made to rally the retiring forces of the 
Eleventh Corps ; but preceded on the retreat by the brigades and 
divisions farthest from the enemy, it was impossible to find the 
requisite cover behind a line of our own forces before arriving 
within the lines of the Twelfth and Fifth Corps. As soon as 
any, the First Brigade, and with it the One Hundred and Fifty- 
third Pennsylvania Volunteers was rallied, and spent the greater 
part of the night in throwing up rifle pits, and on Sunday morn- 
ing were moved again into the front line of entrenchments oppo- 
site the center of General Hooker's line of battle, where they 
remained until Wednesday morning, when our corps covered the 
withdrawal of his army to the other side. On Wednesday, in 
the midst of a terrible rain and natural condition of Virginia 
mud, we returned to our former camp near Brooks Station, where 
we are rapidly recuperating our much tired bodies. From the 
time we left Brooks Station until I rejoined the regiment I was 
Acting Assistant Inspector-General on the staff of General 
Devens, commanding the First Division. In my capacity of aide 
I had very frequent opportunities by day and by night of seeing 
every one of the regiments in this division. At all times and 
under all circumstances, I found both the officers and men of my 
regiment in the best of spirits, and no regiment in the corps 
went more gladly to battle, or more cheerfully submitted to pri- 
vations. During the engagement itself. I had but one distant 
glimpse of the regiment, as I ordered up the Seventy-fifth Ohio 
to the support of Colonel Gilsa, my position keeping me near 
9 



130 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Gen. Devens. Colonel Gilsa, however, himself every inch a 
soldier and a brave man, although early wounded and bruised 
by the fall of his horse, was during the greater part of the fight 
immediately behind the regiment, and to me, as well as to General 
Howard, in my presence, expressed the greatest satisfaction with 
the behavior of his 'new regiment,' as in every way brave and 
soldierly, and his only sorrow is so soon to lose us by the expira- 
tion of our time of service. On Sunday morning, hearing that 
Colonel Glanz was missing, and Lieutenant Colonel Dachrodt 
wounded so as to be unable to take the command, I asked leave 
to return to the regiment and share with it all further exposures 
and perils, and have since then been in command of the same. 
During Monday morning we had a very lively brush with a line of 
rebel skirmishers on an opposite hill, and I had every opportunity 
of seeing the coolness and determination nearly unanimously 
evinced, and feeling proud of the spirit animating our North- 
ampton County boys. 

At such times to particularize would be improper ; suffice it to 
say that no "officer was shot by a private, and no private cut 
down by an officer." Those who have fallen — and, alas ! we 
mourn a number of such — have fallen in the noble discharge of 
their duties, slain by the hands of traitors ; those who have been 
wounded, have received honorable wounds by the shots of rebels ; 
and those who are prisoners are now in the hands of "our South- 
ern brethren," not in consequence of their own faults, but by the 
fortunes of war. Hoping this exposition may set to rest all slan- 
ders, and assure every true and loyal patriot that he need in no- 
wise be ashamed or should sneer at 'Colonel Glanz's regiment of 
Pennsylvania volunteers,' and desiring you. for the sake of jus- 
tice to your fellow-citizens now in the front rank of the army, 
bravely battling for all they hold dear at home, to publish this 
letter in all the newspapers of Northampton county. 

Very Respectfully, 
J. F. FRUEAUFF, 
Major Commanding 153d Pa. Vols. 

Taken from "Moore's Rebellion Record," Page 589, Volume 6. 




a x 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 131 

Account of Dr. Stout. 

Dr. Abraham Stout, a native physician of Bethlehem at the 
outbreak of the Rebellion, offered his service, and became assist- 
ant surgeon of the regiment, associated with Dr. Neff and Dr. 
Kohler. Dr. Stout was popular with the boys, and always had a 
kind word for all of them. In sickness he was faithful to them 
to the last degree. In battle he was at his post. The account of 
his efficient service is best told by the many comrades who knew 
him well. We have asked him for some account of the battles 
and have the following: "At Chancellorsville our Hospital Tent 
was about 200 yards in the rear of our regiment. When we re- 
treated we left the wounded in the Hospital Tent and the rebels 
took tent and all. We then established a Hospital in a brick 
house on the Chancellorsville side of the river. On the 3d we 
moved our wounded across the United States Ford to a farm 
house back a short distance from the river. At this place the 
enemy shelled our ammunition train, but their shells fell short 
and the train moved out of range. 

Dr. Neff was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, was in Libby 
prison, was with the regiment only a short time, went home on 
sick leave to Hollidaysburg, and did not return to the regiment. 
I was the only surgeon with the regiment after Chancellorsville, 
and at Gettysburg I was taken prisoner. 

( )ur regiment fought the Louisiana Tigers in the first day's 
battle beyond the Poor House, and were driven back through the 
town, and took a new position on Cemetery Hill. I was captured 
between the Poor House and the town. Colonel D. P>. Penn, of 
the 7th Regiment of the Tigers, saw me and dismounted. He 
walked by my side and asked me who I was and then told me I 
was his prisoner, taking me to the German Reformed Church, 
when he said to me : 'You ought to take this church for a Hospital.' 
I said, 'Yes, if it is not locked.' 'Well,' said the Colonel, 'if it is 
we can soon open it.' But we found the doors unlocked, and took 
possession. In less than half an hour it was filled with wounded 
men, mostly Union men. I was in attendance there three days. 
John Balliet of Company F and Charles A. Yoch of Company E 



132 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

were detailed to assist in the care of the wounded. After the 
battle we removed the wounded to the public school building back 
of the church. The Union men occupied the first floor and the Con- 
federates the second floor. Dr. Tate of Gettysburg had charge 
of the upper floor. I remained there for about three weeks, then 
had orders to remove all patients to Harrisburg, where they were 
put in the improvised hospital in a cotton factory. 

Captain Stout of Company F was prostrated with typhoid 
fever while in camp at Brooks Station, and was not with the 
regiment in either battle. He was a year or two recovering, and 
in consequence his mind was somewhat affected, for a short time 
after." 

Dr. Stout states : General von Gilsa was wounded in the neck 
and that he dressed his wound. He also saw General Devens at 
the Hospital near U. S. Ford. The general's wound was so 
severe that he was not able to accompany the Division to Gettys- 
burg. At the opening of the battle of Chancellorsville Colonel 
Glanz, Lieutenant Colonel Dachrodt and Major Frueauff and 
Chaplain Mellick were immediately in the rear of Company F. 
The medical tent and Hospital were very nearly behind the line. 
One hundred men were selected from the regiment for stretcher- 
bearers, and were in charge of Dr. Yoch. The medical mule was 
in the care of William Stoneback of Company F. When the fire 
opened there was no time to remove the Hospital tent nor any of 
its contents. On short notice the mule with his panniers was led 
out of the woods, but was wounded and captured by the enemy. 
Seeing that the animal could not run on account of his wound, 
the driver seized a quantity of the medicines and destroyed them. 




NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 33 

Dr. J. P. K. Kohler. 

Doctor John Peter Kern Kohler was born at Egypt, Pa., in 
Lehigh county, in 1841. At the age of nine years he was sent to 
Doctor Vanderveer's Preparatory School at Easton, Pa. He en- 
tered Franklin and Marshall College at Lancaster, Pa., where 
he graduated at the age of 17 years. He graduated in medicine 
from the University of Pennsylvania at the outbreak of the Civil 
War, and like all young men at that time whose first thought was 
duty to his country, he entered the service. He made application at 
Harrisburg. Out of twenty-two applicants but three passed the 
examination, and young Kohler was one of the three. He was 
made contract surgeon and had charge of all the hospitals at 
Camp Curtin and Camp Capitol, and was in charge of three bri- 
gades. He afterwards enlisted in the 153d Regiment as assistant 
surgeon and served in hospitals under the command of the 
Medical Director, and was given charge of all the hospitals of 
the nth Corps encamped at Aquia Creek. He spent very little 
time with his regiment, which was then made a subject of com- 
plaint, but the Medical Director it seems had authority to detain 
him. After the battle of Fredericksburg he was stricken with ty- 
phoid fever and was sent to his home in Egypt. He recovered in 
time to rejoin his regiment and assist in the care of the wounded 
at Gettysburg, and was mustered out with his command at Har- 
risburg. His death occurred in 1866, from a recurrence of the 
same infectious disease he had been afflicted with three years 
before. 



«3 



134 HISTORY op the; 153D REGT. 

Quartermaster S. H. Knowles. 

Comrade Knowles was born in Mauch Chunk, Pa., June 7, 
1838. He was the son of Wm. IT. Knowles, Superintendent of 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. 

He received his early education in Wilkes-Barre and Easton, 
Pa., at the Academy of Dr. Vanderveer. Before the war he was 
employed in the Prothonotary's office in Easton. He served with 
the regiment in the battle of Gettysburg, after which he con- 
tracted a fever which left him in poor health during the rest of 
his life. He was subsequently returned to the position in the 
office of the Prothonotary, when in 1871 he was appointed Deputy 
Prothonotary in Sunbury, Pa. Later his health broke down 
and he returned to Easton, where he served as town clerk and 
assistant librarian until his death February 20, 1875. 

Comrade Knowles was of a literary turn, and was a regular 
contributor to the daily papers of that day. The above brief 
sketch was furnished by his sister, Mrs. George H. Bender. 



Chaplain P. W. Melick — Gleanings from Diaries. 

Diary of Chaplain P. W. Melick.— "March 8, 1863, Lieutenant 
Simmers was in my tent a while. He said, 'I believe two-thirds 
of the boys would re-enlist ;' he did not know that as he would go 
home at all ; he thought the matter of the war could have been 
settled by peace measures, but that he now believed the South did 
nnt want peace. On March 13 there occurred an episode which 
might have had a serious ending, but for the intervention of Cap- 
tains Oerter and Reeder. It arose over the incident of 
the Chaplain's refusal to take a social glass with the 
officers, who, with him, had been invited to the Colonel's 
tent. It was an important meeting, being the occasion 
of the inauguration of some new commissioner. As 
the drinks were served (a custom which was popular among the 
officers) the Chaplain refused to accept that feature of the hos- 
pitality extended, whereupon he was invited to take a glass of 




s< rgi ant Majoi George <'.. Beam. 





Philip i). Wireback, Quartermaster Sergeant. Quartermaster S. n. Knowles. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 135 

water. But this lie also declined. The reasons for declining were 
sufficient, but apparently provoked resentment. The invitation 
was an act of courtesy ; the refusal was also proper. The Gov- 
ernor (Curtin) was invited to visit the Camp. Captain Frey, Dr. 
Neff and Major Frueauff were the committee to convey the invi- 
tation. The Governor's visit occurred March 26th, and the occa- 
sion was one of great interest to the regiment. The festive green 
of the forest never did more to suitably decorate a city of soldiers 
than on this occasion. The Colonel was in gleeful spirits, and 
remarked that he would be ready to go out again at the expira- 
tion of the regiment's term, and thought that two-thirds of his 
men would re-enlist. . Dr. Neff playfully said to the Governor, 
"The Colonel is all right, but he is a Democrat." "Yes," said 
the Colonel, "but I am not a Copperhead." The Governor was 
invited to walk through the Camp, and the regiment was formed 
in dress parade, when the Governor delivered a speech which 
touched many hearts and made him many friends. Major Frue- 
auff was placed on General McLean's Staff about April 1, 1863. 
Both the Chaplain's and the writer's Diaries make a note of the 
illness of Captain Stout. The Chaplain says, "Stayed all night 
with Captain Stout, Captain is very sick, I fear dangerously, he 
having had a relapse. He is now in the hospital. Lieutenant, I 
think, is better." April 1, General Howard took command of 
the Corps to-day. The death of Charles B. Shaffer occurred 
April 7th. Surgeon Neff is sick in his tent. Henry Agnew was 
taken to the hospital April 8th. April 10th, a grand review by 
President Lincoln, wife, and little son. The boy rode a small pony. 
The officers appealed to the Governor for the back salary of the 
men on the 17th. On this day we had a sermon in German, by 
the Rev. Mr. Hogan, from Nazareth. Prayer was offered by the 
Rev. Mr. Rice of the 129th Regiment. We had Communion 
(Lord's Supper) this evening at 5 o'clock. About 100 men re- 
ceived the communion. 

"April 27th. Marched toward Hartwood Church, distant 15 
miles. Started at sunrise. 28th, left at 4 a. m., marched 15 miles, 
arrived about 1.30 p. m. Tented in neighborhood of Mt. Holly 
Church. About 5 p. m. Gilsa rode along the line, gave verbal 



136 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

order to be ready in ten minutes. Lay on arms until near mid- 
night. Crossed by 2 a. m. of the 29th, and drew up in line of 
battle, marched about two miles, then rested until 9 a. m." 

The crossing of the Rappahannock and the experience of the 
next several days, including the battle, are elsewhere described. 

We returned to our old Camp on the 6th of May, at the close 
of the affair in the Chancellorsville forest, and now resuming 
gleaning from the Diaries, the writer says : In accordance with 
the wishes of Chaplain Melick we built a temporary inclosure 
of logs and pine boughs for chapel service. We fitted it up in 
good style and called it "Chapel Grove." We held our first meet- 
ing in the new church, May 29, 1863. On the evening of the 
31st, General O. O. Howard attended the meeting and made an 
address which greatly encouraged all present. On June 7th, 
Captain Oerter commanded the regiment. Glanz and Frueauff 
returned to the regiment on the 16th of June. 

From the writer's Diary : May 5th. The regiment is still on 
the South side of the Rappahannock. The crossing was at the 
United States Ford. I assisted in carrying the wounded across 
the river. A very heavy rain fell toward evening. I was all day 
of the 6th on the road with the ambulance loaded with wounded. 
We arrived at Brooks Station Hospital, the band having pre- 
ceded me. I remained with them that night. The hospital 
joined the band tent. The removal of the wounded from the 
battlefield began on the 4th, a temporary hospital having been 
established in a brick house on the left side of the road from 
Chancellorsville House to United States Ford. 

May 17th, Sunday. — On this day it was reported that Stone- 
wall Jackson died last Sunday. The intelligence reached us 
through Dr. Junkins from a neighboring regiment. The doctor was 
a brother-in-law of the deceased. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 137 



Captain Owen Rice, Co. A. 



Captain Owen Rice, in command of the first Company of the 
regiment, was conceded to be the most distinguished officer of 
his rank, in the Command. His daring, special achievements on 
the Chancellorsville battlefield, won for him fame of high order, 
and gave him unusual prominence in military circles. His second 
cousin, Chaplain Wm. H. Rice, of the 129th Regiment of the 
State, now residing in Gnodenhiitten, Ohio, gives us a family 
tracing of Comrade Rice, and speaks of him as having been a 
fine worthy character. "His father," the writer says, "was Rev. 
Edward Rice, President of the Moravian Theological Seminary, 
Bethlehem, Pa., at the time of his death. Edward was the son 
of Owen Rice III., who was the son of Owen Rice II., who was 
the son of Reverend Owen Rice I., who came to Bethlehem in 
June, 1742. Captain Owen Rice was a very able man; his enlist- 
ment was truly characteristic of him." 

An account of this brave and noble officer will appear else- 
where in our history. 



Benjamin F. Shaum, 1st. Lieut. Co. A. 

I was captured about May 3d with some men on the skirmish 
line in the battle of Chancellorsville, and was sent to Libby 
Prison and was confined there about 29 days. I was then 
paroled and sent to Annapolis where I was held about 5 days, 
then exchanged and sent to my regiment. 

On arrival at the old Camp, near Brooks Station, I found 
my regiment had started on the march towards Gettysburg. I 
followed it up with the baggage train and rear guard to Emmits- 
burg where I caught up with the Command and took charge 
of my Company A. 

At Gettysburg I commanded my Company and was wounded 
on the first day while on the skirmish line. And again I was 
in the rebel lines three days. 



I38 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

While lying on the field a boy by the name of Aaron Meyers, 
of Co. I, with a flesh wound in his leg, carried water to me. I 
cautioned him to be careful but I understood he died in four 
or five days. 

After being mustered out I was taken to Easton, Pa., and 
cared for in the U. S. Hotel for about three months with my 
wounded leg. 

On April 23, 1864 I was appointed Second Lieut, in the 
Veteran Reserve Corps and was assigned to the Seventh Regi- 
ment of that organization. At the time of the raid of General 
Early on Washington, July, 1864, I served with my regiment 
in front of Fort Reno and Stevens with convalescents, teamsters 
and department employees, rather a motley crowd. 

After the rebels were repulsed, we were ordered to the War 
Department barracks and did duty around the old Capitol Prison, 
and also the Navy Yards Prison, where were confined Mrs. Sur- 
ratt and other accomplices of Pres. Lincoln's assassination. From 
there I was sent to Trenton, N. J., under Major Newton, U. 
S. Army, and was employed in conveying troops to various 
regiments. 

They were drafted men and substitutes. I continued in this 
duty until July, 1865, when I joined my regiment at Washington 
and remained with it until it was disbanded and the organization 
discontinued. 

On July 12, 1866, I was ordered to duty in the Bureau of 
Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Land. While on that 
duty on the reorganization of the state I made the registration 
of Bedford and Botetourt Counties and held the election. Dur- 
ing March, 1866, I received the brevets of First Lieut, and Cap- 
tain of Volunteers for meritorious services. I was honorably 
discharged and left the army January 1, 1868. 



NARRATIVES OF THIS COMRADES 139 

Letter from Lieut. J- Clyde Millar, Co. A. 

The march from near Falmouth Heights, in Virginia, to and 
beyond the town of Gettysburg, was a long and toilsome one. 
The heat frequently was so intense that many of the rank and 
file dropped by the wayside, some to report later on, others now 
camping in what is known in the National Cemetery as the "un- 
known dead" who were gathered there several months after- 
wards, with those who had fallen in battle. 

On the night we reached Winchester there seemed to be a 
mistake about going into camp. The brigade would halt and 
then start, possibly making a mile and then halt again. This 
movement would be repeated over and over again. A laughable 
incident was noticed while the occurrences were taking place. A 
soldier by the name of Jemison, who was a cook for Captain 
Howell's headquarters, and who had succeeded in getting quite 
a supply of fence boards to start his camp fires with. It was con- 
siderable of a load and after the third order had been given to 
forward, he threw them down in disgust and swore he would 
carry them no Ipnger, when "halt" was sounded he went back 
and got them again. No sooner had "forward" been ordered 
again, when down he threw them, and for several minutes the 
volume of epithets that poured forth would not have been suit- 
able for the uplift of Christianity. When the Pennsylvania line 
was reached and crossed, what glad shouts went up from the 
Keystone boys, of "home again." Alas, how many never left 
it, but lie now mouldering in that silent city of her beloved dead ! 

On the night of June 30, I was ordered out with part of my 
company, and some of Company F men on the picket line. Or- 
ders were to fire on any one, or force appearing in front, and 
not to demand the giving of the countersign. It was a murky, 
misty night, and not liking the looks of what I thought was sus- 
picious in front of my line, I told the boys I would scout out in 
front to see if there were any Johnnies there, and that on my 
return I would be whistling "Yankee Doodle" softly so they 
would know who it was; but when half way back, the firing 
commenced on the left of the line, and .hearing the rush com- 



140 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

ing through the cornfield, and thinking it was cavalry, and know- 
ing my men would also commence firing to prevent a break 
through, I admit, candidly, that I forgot all about my whistling 
"Yankee Doodle," and got back into line far quicker than when 
I went out. The laugh was on us when day light came, as the 
numerous dead in our front was seen to be not rebels, but inno- 
cent sheep, which would not even bite a Union soldier. 

Rations had been issued during the night at the regimental head- 
quarters, and having hurried forward to join the regiment, those 
of my men who had been on picket, went through that battle with 
what little they could beg from others. Let me state here, that 
with but one single exception, there was no complaint made to 
me about it, whatsoever. As the regiment was on the march 
when I joined it, this threw the picket detail in the rear. After 
the town was passed, the line of battle was being formed, and 
through somebody's error, the color division was ordered out on 
the skirmish line. This was wrong, as Companies A and F were 
the proper divisions to go. In rectifying the mistake, a slight 
confusion occurred. Right here I remember several things dis- 
tinctly. In right filing my men on the double quick, then when 
the front was clear, by the left flank into position, as I passed the 
right flank of Co. D, I saw Brave Beaver killed while in the act 
of repeating his Captain Howell's command of "Forward, men, 
Forward!" A moment afterwards, a rebel shell passed in front 
of me ; the swing of its fuse, striking me across the face. The 
skirmish line, when formed, ran through a small piece of timber 
with the ground sloping down toward Rock Creek; the under- 
brush was also heavy; the line of battle had been formed on the 
brow of a hill some three or four hundred feet behind us. The 
fact was soon ascertained that we were being fired on, front and 
right flank. Accidentally, we had got into an angle of General 
John B. Gordon's Corps. About this time, if I remember rightly. 
Sergeant Keifer of my Company, reported the woods in front 
of us was being massed with men behind the thiekets for a 
charge, and that by crouching down, I could see their legs up to 
their knees. I did so, and saw the force was a large one. I ran 
back up ithe slope to report the fact, when I met Adj. Reeder 



NARRATIVES <>]• THE COMRADES 141 

with drawn sword, who said, "Go hack and hold your line at all 
hazards." 1 told him it was useless as the force massing in front 
was a heavy one. I then happened to look up and asked him, 
"Where is our battle line?" lie looked ami remarked: "It's 
gone. Get yourselves out the best you can; report at Cemetery 
Hill," and we surely got. I also remember that in retreating, 1 
noticed Lieut. Yeaeer, who hail gone down with a terrible 
wound, having been shot through the hip, urging his men to 
retreat or they would he taken prisoners. 

Another incident: The next day, while on the skirmish line, 
Lieut. Barnes and myself were standing under a small tree and 
discussing how soon the Louisiana Tigers we had discovered 
lying in a depression in the ground at our front, would charge us. 
Ahout this time something came sailing along through the air, 
that had not the familiar sound of a shell, and I remarked to him, 
"I think that must he a piece of iron." As it passed through the 
tree tops, it broke off a limb ahout an inch thick and as this 
dropped to the ground it knocked Barnes' cap off. "I think it 
was iron, Miller," he remarked, "and the next thing they will he 
throwing blacksmith shops." As expected, after sundown, along 
came the Tigers, with many others, charging in two lines deep. 
When near enough the skirmish line fired, fell hack its usual 
distance, loading as it went, and then halted and fired again, and 
at the command, retreated on the double quick to the line of 
battle at Cemetery Hill. The regiment hail moved farther to- 
ward the left than when we had left. 'Phis threw us amongst 
what I think was the 41st N. Y., who informed me our regi- 
ment had moved toward the left flank. We double quicked toward 
it, and the few minutes it took to get there, the Johnnies were 
almost on us. I heard Lieut. Beidelman without orders give the 
command "Fire!" which the whole line obeyed. Gen. von Cilsa 
was standing a short distance in the rear, up the slope, who 
commenced commanding, "Cease firing; they are our friends." 
I ran to him and said: "No, General, they are the enemy, and 
charging in two lines." When I got to my Company again, the 
fight was on in all its fierceness, muskets being handled as clubs; 
rocks torn from the wall in front and thrown, fists and bayonets 



142 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

used, so close was the fighting. I remember distinctly of seeing 
a Rebel color bearer, with his musket in one hand and flag in 
the other, with outspread arms jump upon the little wall, shout- 
ing "Surrender, you damned Yankees." In an instant a Com- 
pany A or F man, I could not tell which, as the smoke was com- 
mencing to get heavy, — ran his bayonet through the man's chest 
and firing at the same time. I can still see in my mind's eye how 
the shot tore into shreds the back of his blouse ; as he fell back- 
wards holding to his musket and colors, part of the flag staff 
was on our side ; some one grabbed it while some one on the 
other side got hold of it and the tussle was lively for a few sec- 
onds, who should get possession of it. I think the Rebs must have 
gotten it, as I never saw or heard of it afterwards. 

About this time, quite a number of the enemy forced me 
and some of my Company with others of the N. Y. Regiment on 



Infantry Charge. 

my right, up into our batteries. Here the mix up of artillery- 
men, cavalry, infantry and rebels was something long to be re- 
membered. I cannot help but think as I look backward, that 
the day and night of July 2, 1863, was certainly a hot time in 
the old town of Gettysburg. 

Another incident : A Lieutenant of the 7th Louisiana was 
taken prisoner with quite a number of others. He was slightly 
wounded in the arm and was somewhat downhearted. I told him 
I would give him a note to our Surgeon, Neff, and make the re- 
quest to give him special attention. Sometime during the night 
he died. I found an envelope in his blouse pocket, in the morn- 
ing, with a photograph in it of three little girls. This I for- 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES I43 

warded to mother with a description of the man and circum- 
stances, as the directions on the envelope were so dim and worn 
that the name could not be easily deciphered. This was for- 
warded to Harper's Weekly for insertion as a war incident, and 
eventually was returned to my mother, and has been in my pos- 
session for years. Now, here is the strange solution of the 
incident. Some years ago, when my daughter was a graduate at 
the Tuscaloosa Seminary she had a room-mate from Louisiana 
by the name of Berwick, who invited my daughter to go with 
her to her Southern home and spend some months there. She 
did so. One evening while sitting on the veranda, Mr. Berwick 
remarked: "My daughter tells me you are from Pennsylvania 
and that your father was a Union soldier. Well, I was up their in 
your country one time also with the 7 th Louisiana Tigers at 
Gettysburg. Our reception was so warm and of such a charac- 
ter, that I did not stay long. Was your father in that battle, 
also?" "Yes," she replied, "I have heard him speak about it" 
And then she related the circumstance of the photograph of the 
three children; and strange to say, they are still living some 
twenty miles from Mr. Berwick's sugar plantation, and that it 
was the first authentic statement they ever had of what had be- 
come of their father. She requested me to forward to Mr 
Berwick the photograph, but like other things badly wanted 
when needed turns up missing, and has never been found since.' 
One thought more, and I will close. On the backward march 
at Boonsboro Gap, I was detailed to take charge of some men 
to pull a battery up the mountain side. It was dark and rainino- 
but when in place on top of the mountain, you could look down 
and see by the campfires the army taking its different positions 
into hne f or de f e nse. It was a sight never before witnessed, and 
often still remembered. 



144 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

W. It. Kiefer, Co. A. 

Wm. R. Kiefer (cousin of the writer) was a Sergeant in Com- 
pany A. In the opening of the battle in the Chancellorsville 
campaign he had been detailed to command a detachment of men 
on skirmish duty, and was among the first to discover the ap- 
proach of the Jackson skirmishers. Of all the accounts yet given 
the historian on the subject of the barricade before the 
Gilsa brigade, is his statement as to the nature of the 
obstructions. The slashings of the trees had been done under 
the direction of the General in person, and were of the nature of 
abattis. While returning from the skirmish line Sergeant Kiefer 
was badly wounded by the sharp point of a tree. Comrade Clyde 
Miller mentions an incident, showing the Sergeant's bravery in 
the first day's engagement at Gettysburg, as follows : "Accident- 
ally we got into an angle of General John B. Gordon's corps. 
About this time, . . Sergeant Kiefer of my Company, re- 
ported the woods in front of us was being massed with men be- 
hind the thickets for charge, and that by crouching down, I could 
see their legs up to their knees. I did so and saw that the force 
was a large one." The Sergeant was captured near the Alms- 
house, and was a prisoner for several weeks, but was paroled. 
Was at Camp Chester for ten days and was mustered out with 
the regiment July 23, 1863. 



Sergeant Wm. M- Shultz, Co. A. 

You will remember we were driven back at Chancellorsville on 
the afternoon of May 2d. With several of my Company (A) we 
retreated across an opening in our rear, and about half way across 
we stopped to help Captain Oerter of Company C, who was doing 
his best to rally some of the retreating men. We remained with 
him as long as we could and when it got too warm we found it 
would be madness to continue there any longer. We then went 
to the rear and entered the woods and bearing away to the left 
discovered our mistake, finding ourselves in the rear of the enemy, 
who had advanced its lines in pursuing our forces. We spent 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 145 

the entire night in endeavoring to get out of the woods, and elud- 
ing some of the enemy's scouts. 

On the morning of the 3d we were discovered by the enemy 
and taken to the rear, where we joined other game which had 
been bagged, and with whom we fell in and started on our 
march to Richmond. On the evening of the 3d we stopped at 
Spottsylvania Court House, in the yard of which we encamped 
for the night. It was here I met Colonel Glanz, footsore and 
weary and completely disheartened. He had nothing to eat, so 
I made him a cup of coffee and gave him something to eat, which 
cheered him up a little. Early on Monday the fourth, we resumed 
our march, and at about 2 p. m. we halted at Guiney's Station. At 
this place we expected to be paroled, or at least treated to a ride 
to Richmond ; but onr expectations were not realized. About 
noon of Thursday the 7th, orders were given to fall in, the 
Colonel and officers going by rail. 

During the afternoon we passed through Bowling Green, and 
early in the evening struck Milford Station. At each place we 
attracted the attention of the inhabitants both old and young, who 
were surprised to see so many Yanks — there were about 4000 of 
us. After leaving Milford Station a mile in rear, and fording 
an over-flowing stream which soaked us up to our waists, we 
laid down in the woods for a rest — and such rest. Bright and 
early the next morning we were again on the tramp and that 
night halted at Hanover Junction. Early the following morning 
"fall in" was again heard and remembering the old adage, "no 
rest for the wicked," we entered the march with good grace or as 
much as possible under the circumstances. After tramping, as it 
appeared to us, over all the southern Confederacy, we reached 
Richmond at about dark, and 9 o'clock found us safely lodged in 
Libby prison, our escort on the march being the Twelfth S. C. 
Volunteers. On arrival at the prison we found the Colonel and 
officers there, but in another part of the mansion. We remained 
there until the 13th of June. We were paroled during the day, 
and about 3 p. m. bade the place good-bye and started (on foot, of 
course.) for City Point under guard, reaching our destination the 



I46 HISTORY OF THE 153D RKGT. 

following day at about 2 p. m. And I must say the sight of ''Old 
Glory" on our transports anchored in the harbor, was a sight 
never to be forgotten. Some cheered ; others who had been in 
Libby for months, wept for joy, while many others dropped upon 
their knees and thanked the good Lord for his merciful deliver- 
ance. 

Uncle Sam now took charge of us, and when all were gotten 
aboard the transports we set sail for Annapolis, which place we 
reached the following day. Remaining there a few days, we 
were sent to Alexandria and given quarters in Camp Convales- 
cent, Va. On our march from Chancellorsville to Richmond 
those men who guarded us, treated us kindly, even sharing their 
food with us. While in Libby we were treated like dogs. Thanks 
to the officer there in charge — a Major Turner, a brute in hu- 
man form. 



Sergeant Wm. Henry Weaver, by his son, Ethan Allen Weaver, 
Germantown, Pa. 

In the Autumn of 1862 when the war trumpet was sounded 
throughout the North, calling for recruits to strengthen the Union 
forces, and repulse the enemy, which then threatened northern 
invasion, and Northampton County in lieu of a draft, raised a 
full regiment of volunteers, he enlisted in Company A, 153d 
Regiment, Penna. Vol. Infantry, most of whose officers and 
enlisted men were close intimate friends and neighbors. Upon 
the organization of the Company he was elected Corporal, and 
on February 25, 1863, promoted to Sergeant. 

In the battle of Chancellorsville his regiment occupied a 
unique position at the extreme right of the Army of the Poto- 
mac, where it was the first to receive the attack of "Stonewall" 
Jackson's Corps of Lee's Confederate army, in which attack a 
rebel bullet grazed one of his fingers, merely breaking the skin, 
and in th,e retreat of the Eleventh Corps it was his misfortune 
to be captured and confined in Libby prison. After being paroled 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 147 

he was taken to Camp Convalescent, Alexandria, Va., where he 
remained until the expiration of his term of service, without ever 
being exchanged. 

Upon the expiration of his military service he returned to 
Nazareth and remained there until 1864, when he removed to 
Easton, where he continued to reside until about 1889, at which 
time he removed to Chester county, Pa., where he died on April 
J 4, 1893, in the sixty- fourth year of his age. 

His remains were laid at rest with military honors in the 
family lot on the Easton Cemetery, Easton, Pa., the funeral being 
in charge of Post 217, G. A. R., John P. Huber, 51st P. V. Post 
Commander. The pall bearers were: Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob 
Dachrodt, 153d P. V.; Robert Ballentine, 1st P. V.; Jacob 
Gangwere, Battery C, 5th U. S. Artillery; John L. Clifton, 51st 
P. V.; Levi Fraunfelter, 153d P. V., and Jacob Leidy, 12th Pa. 
Reserves. 

The committal service was read by the Rev. Henry M. Kieffer, 
D. D., a comrade of the Post, now rector of the P. E. Chapel 
of Good Shepherd, Atlantic City, N. J. Sergeant Weaver was a 
member of Lafayette Post 217, Grand Army of the Republic, and 
of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. 

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat 

The soldier's last tattoo; 
No more on life's parade shall meet 

The brave and daring few. 
On Fame's eternal camping ground 

Their silent tents are spread. 
And Glory guards with solemn round 

The bivouac of the dead. 

Whilst at Camp Convalescent, he wrote a narrative covering 
the last three months of his enlistment, which follows : 



I48 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Narrative 

Written Whilst a Paroled Prisoner at Camp Convalescent, near 

Alexandria, Virginia, 

By 

SERGEANT HENRY WEAVER, 

Company A, 153D Penna. Volunteer Infantry, 

In a Diary for the Year 1863, now in Possession of His Son, 

ETHAN ALLEN WEAVER, 
Germantown, Pa. 

Friday April ioth (1863) left camp at Potomac Creek Bridge 
for home, arrived at home on Saturday, nth. Stayed there un- 
til Sunday, the 19th ; left there, went to Easton that night. 
Stayed with Jacob (his brother) until Monday, the 20th. Left 
Easton at six in the morning for Philadelphia by North Penn- 
sylvania Railroad, arriving in Philadelphia at 12 of same day; 
left there at 12 in the night for Washington by way of Havre- 
de-Grace, arriving in Washington at 8 on the 21st; left Wash- 
ington at 8 on the morning of the 22nd for Camp, arriving 
there at 2 in the afternoon of same day; went to Aqua (Aquia) 
Creek landing; on Friday, 24th, to express office. Returned in 
afternoon. Left Camp on Saturday at 10 to go on picket near 
Stafford (Court House) to stay three days until 28th. On the 
morning of the 27th had rations sent me for 8 days for my 
men ; after dealing them out started on the march. Came up to 
Capt. Atter (Oerter) in about one hour's time, he being Captain 
of the guard ; after coming together we left and came up to the 
regiment at noon ; marched about two miles beyond Hartwood 
Church, there we halted for the night. 

Tuesday, 28th, broke camp and took up line of march again 
for Kelley's Ford ; arrived there at 2 in the afternoon. Rained 
all day, waited there for pontoons to come up ; came up about 4 
in the afternoon ; after being laid we were ordered in line again 
to cross; we laid in line from 9 to 12, then we started to cross; 
after crossing we were marched around an hour or two through 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES I49 

the mud and rain, then were ordered to lie down and rest in line 
of battle ; we were so tired that we were glad to lie down in 
the mud and rain to rest. 

On the morning of the 29th (April) after the 5th and 12th 
Corps had crossed, we took up line of march again for the Rapi- 
dan; crossed Deep Creek about 2 in the afternoon; came to Sher- 
manda (Germanna) Mills on the banks of the Rapidan at 7 in 
the evening; laid down there in the mud and rain until 3 in the 
morning of the 30th ; then we crossed the Rapidan and marched 
about 2 miles and then stacked arms and laid down in the mud 
and rain until yjn the morning; then we took up line of march 
again and marched out on the plank road and up the plank road 
some 10 or 12 miles; then we stopped for 1 hour's rest; then we 
were marched about 1 or 2 miles on another road ; there we pitched 
tents and drawed beef; took me until 12 in the night to deal it 
out. Cut it up with a pocket knife; next day (May 1st) we 
laid in camp until 10, then we were ordered out in a hurry to go 
and reinforce the 5th Corps, but we didn't get out of the field 
before orders came to go back and pitch tents again, for they 
could get along without us, so we went back and there was great 
cheering, but I thought it might be too soon ; in the afternoon of 
the same day we were marched out in the woods, there we soon 
heard hard skirmishing to our right ; we were marched back but 
all was silence again so we were marched back to the left again ; 
there our company was detailed to go on picket to the left of 
the road; after being stationed about an hour we were called in 
again to go to the r'egiment on the left of the road ; there we 
formed a line of battle and layed down to sleep ; we slept on 
our arms in line of battle; in the morning (2nd) we cut down 
trees all around the front of us ; there we were stationed in 
battle line; we stood there until 2 in the afternoon, then our 
company was ordered to the center of the regiment to hold a 
road leading to the woods ; in about 2 hours after we had our 
position the Rebs came on. Schurz's Division broke and ran, 
so the whole left of the line broke and ran before we had orders to 
fall back; we fell back slow at first but the balls came too hot 



150 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

so we also broke and ran ; some ran this way and some that 
I got in the woods intending to join my regiment again next 
morning, the 3rd. 

We were shelled all night by the Rebs, the shells exploding 
over us in any quantity; in the morning (Sunday, 3rd,) I got 
up and started for my regiment, but didn't get very far before 
I found myself in the line of the Rebs, they having throwed 
out pickets during the night, so I had no way but to be cap- 
tured. I was captured about 7 in the morning of the 3rd of 
May; after being captured I was marched about 2 miles to a 
field; there joined a squad of about 150, and there we waited 
about 1 hour, then another squad of about 1000 came up; there 
was Col. Glanz, Lt. Schaum, Wm. M. Schultz and many others 
of our regiment ; then we were marched off, arriving at Transyl- 
vania (Spottsylvania) Court House at 7 in the evening; there 
we slept in the jail yard until Monday morning, the 4th. 

In the morning of the 4th we took up line of march again and 
marched to Guiney (Guinea) Station, arriving there at 4 in the 
afternoon of the 4th ; here we got a lot of flour and salt horse ; 
stayed here until the 7th about noon ; then we took up line of 
march again, passed through Boulding (Bowling) Green at 4 
in the afternoon of the same day. Arrived at Milford Station 
about 6 in the evening of the same day; rested about 15 minutes, 
then started again ; marched about 1 mile, forded a creek about 
l / 2 mile wide, thigh deep, then went in the woods and camped 
for the night ; rained all night ; up next morning early and 
started for Hanover Station at 7 in the morning of the 8th. 
Raining again this morning. Arrived at Hanover Junction at 6 
in the evening, still about 30 miles to Richmond. Started on the 
morning of the 9th. marched until 9 in the evening, then ar- 
rived at the Libby prison; to-day marched through mud and 
water ankle deep all day, very tired, could hardly stand on one 
foot any more, for supper we got nothing. On Sunday morning 
at 9 (May 10th) we got about ^ pound of bread and l /± pound 
pork; in the evening at 9 the same; Monday, nth, nothing till 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 151 

noon, then we got the same ; evening, *4 cup bean soup. Tues- 
day, 1 2th, at 3 in the afternoon, l /± beef, ]/ 2 bread; 9 in the even- 
ing, ]/ 2 cup bean soup, y 2 lb. bread; (Wednesday, 13th,) at 10 
in forenoon, l / 2 lb. bread ; in the afternoon at 3 we left the prison 
for City Point, then we got l / 2 loaf bread and l /$ lb. pork to 
last one day. So off we started with the intention of marching 
all night ; we marched until about 7 and then the hardest shower 
came up I ever seen, but they wouldn't let us stop but 
made us march on, we kept until about 9 and then they let 
us rest for the night, but such a rest I never had, for it rained, 
and so we layed in the wet and rain until 4 in the morning of 
the 14th ; then we started again, arriving at Petersburg at 8 in 
the morning, and at City Point about 2 in the afternoon. City 
Point is a very nice place but all deserted; contained some 12 
or 15 houses, some of them pretty well riddled with shell that 
McClellan throwed in there from his gunboats; at about 3 in 
the afternoon we went aboard of the boat; we ran down the 
James River until 9 in the night; then anchored until 4 in the 
morning of the 15th; then we started again, arriving at Fortress 
Monroe at 9 in the forenoon. We passed Harrison's Landing, 
Newport News and other distinguished places of this war; the 
last-named place you can see the masts of a boat out of the 
water; we layed at anchor at Fortress Monroe until 3 in the 
afternoon of the same day; then we started up the Chesapeake 
Bay, arriving at Annapolis* on the morning of the 16th, there 
we marched to College Green Barracks. Here we stayed until 
Wednesday, the 20th of May; then in the morning we marched 
to the landing and took the boat for Washington ; we went down 
the bay to Point Lookout, arriving there about sundown ; after 
running in the Potomac we anchored for the night ; in the 
morning of the 22d at 4 we started up the Potomac, crossing 

*The following message to my mother at Nazareth, via Easton hy 
stage, sent from this point, was the first information we had of my 
father's safety, we supposing up to this time that he had been killed or 
wounded and burned with the many who thus met their fate in the 
woods on the right at Chancellorsville : "Am a paroled prisoner ; am well 
and sound; will write immediately." — (E. A. W.) 



15-' HISTORY OF THE 1530 R£GT. 

Aqua (Aquia) creek about 10 and arriving al Washington at 2 
in the afternoon; we left there again without landing and went 
to Alexandria, Va.J landed and then took ui> line of march for 
present camp — Camp Convalescent; here there are 50 harracks, 
each holding 101 men, 2 cook houses and 4 dining, 2 of them 
furnishes tables for ahout 700 men apiece and the other 2 of 
them furnishes tables for about 1400 apiece; there are also 2 
very large hospitals and ordnance building for each State. 

Saturday, June 6th, speech made hy John Covode, member 
«of Congress from Pennsylvania, and Governor Nye, of Colo- 
rado Territory. Tuesday afternoon, June <)th, explosion of 
magazine at Fort Lyons, 20 killed, 14 wounded. At Convales- 
cent Camp at the time, just moving from one barrack to an- 

• other; heard the report. June 28th, expecting raid at Camp 
Convalescent, 40 or 50 teams ready to load commissary stores 
to remove from the camp. 

(Here he added after reaching home the following: — ) 

July <)th, left Convalescent Camp for Washington; 10th left 
Washington for Philadelphia; nth left Philadelphia for Harris- 
lung, arrived there at 2 in the afternoon. 

In the summer of [886, twenty-three years after the battle 
o\ Chancellorsville, 1 determined to visit the spot in company 
with my father and his comrade William M. Shultz both of 
whom had participated in this great strategic battle of the 
Civil War which, in the light of subsequent events after a 
series of victories for the South, marked the high tide of Con- 
federate success, for with the death of General "Stonewall" 
Jackson began a succession of reverses resulting in the down- 
fall of the Confederacy two years later. 

On July 3rd. whilst a remnant of the [53d Regiment were 
dedicating a tablet marking its position at the foot of Cemetery 
Mill, Gettysburg, Pa., where it assisted in repulsing the famous 
"Louisiana Tigers" on the evening of July 2, [863, we left 

Philadelphia 'i^v Fredericksburg, Va. Until we reached Wash- 




f 








T3 . 






^< 






So 




) 




• : 






0! 




<_J 


h 




£o 


I 




S ■ 


< 


' 




- ^> m 




=<=<-> 


T. 




WL j 








• 




■ 






■ 


Id 




ac 


H 




«o 


Z 






D 




■n 1 






3E~ 


O 
> 




"» £ 
,■"? 



2 < 

! 

■ o ^ ' 

■ ; £o 



BO < 



I I 



fc 5 



«3o 



Al 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 153 

ington there was nothing special to attract us, but having once 
crossed the historic Long Bridge over the Potomac River, my 
companions began to sniff a familiar atmosphere, and a short 
ride brought us to the site of Camp Convalescent, near Alexan- 
dria, Va., and an hour later we passed by Brooks Station and 
over Potomac Creek Bridge, where my companions were in 
winter quarters with the Eleventh Corps in , 62-6t > . 

Fredericksburg was soon reached, and the afternoon was spent 
in viewing that ancient, historic town, the home of Washington's 
mother, and the unfinished monument to her memory (time 
stained and shattered by bullet and shell, which later the patriotic 
women of America replaced by a handsome shaft bearing thi 
modest inscription "Mary the mother of Washington"), the 
Masonic Lodge where we were shown the record bearing the 
signature of George Washington when he was made a Free 
Mason in 1752, the various headquarters occupied by the com- 
manding officers of both armies in the great battle of Dec. 13, 
1862 (the cannon of which were plainly heard in the winter camp 
at Brooks Station) the Confederate cemetery where lie the remains 
of many prominent and unknown participants in the "lost cause," 
the National cemetery containing the graves of 15,257 Union 
soldiers gathered from the various battlefields in this vicinity, 
12, 770 of whom are unknown, and Marye's Heights from whose 
crest and the stone wall at its base thundered the cannon and 
musketry of the Confederates in their repulse of the Union forces 
in their attempted siege of the heights from the plains in the 
foreground where fell many of the boys in Blue from old 
Northampton who were members of the 51st and 129th Regi- 
ments which gave such conspicuous service on this bloody field 
and where many lost their lives in the heroic struggle to gain the 
heights on their front. 

The evening was spent in conversation with a number who 
had participated in the great battles in this vicinity, among them 
John Hayden, Wagon-Master of Ordnance Corps. C. S. A. who 
guided General "Stonewall" Jackson in his flank movement at 



154 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Chancellorsville, resulting in the unexpected attack of the right 
of Hooker's army constituting the Eleventh Corps of whose first 
division, first brigade, the 153d Regiment was a part. 

On the following morning July 4th, comfortably seated in a 
carriage with a driver who had taken many parties over the 
ground, we proceeded by way of the famous Plank Road to 
Chancellorsville, passing Salem Church, the scene of a desperate 
right which prevented the Sixth Corps under General Sedgwick 
from joining the main Army of the Potomac at Chancellorsville 
and Tabernacle Church, an historic land mark often referred to 
in the annals of the war. 

Just before reaching Chancellorsville, we had pointed out to 
us the spot where General Lee and General Jackson bivouaced 
the night previous to the latter's now famous flank movement. 
At Chancellorsville Mansion (Hooker's headquarters during the 
battle) we were cordially received by the occupants Trooper 
Thomas Junkin, late of the Confederate Cavalry, and his esti- 
mable young wife, who manifested a deeper interest in the stage 
than in battlefields, in scenes histrionic rather than historic. 
Mr. Junkin accompanied US, being familiar with the various land 
marks, and we continued our journey westward, soon reaching 
the large quartz Ixutlder to the right, marking the location where 
General "Stonewall" Jackson* fell, May 2, 1863, the same having 

*It is interesting to note that the first wife of General Thomas J. 
Jackson ("Stonewall" Jackson) spent 12 years oi her girlhood in Kaston, 
Pa. She was a daughter of Rev. Geo. Junkin, D.D., LL.D., first 
President of Lafayette College. In 1832, when about 10 years of age, 
she removed with her parents from Germantown to Baston, Pa., where 
she remained until iS|i. when her father became President of Miami 
University, Ohio, whence he was recalled to Kaston in 1844. remaining as 
the President of Lafayette College until 1S4S, when he accepted the Presi- 
dency of Washington College (now Washington & Lee LhiiversityL Lex- 
ington, Va. Here Eleanor Junkin met and was wooed by Major Jack- 
son, (then a professor in the Virginia Military Institute) who was des- 
tined to become a conspicuous figure in the annals o\ the Civil War. They 
were married in August. iS.s,}. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 155 

been erected by bis Chaplain the Rev. Dr. B. F. Lacy and his 
brother Major Lacy. This rock has since been replaced by a 
handsome granite monument. 

We soon reached the Wilderness Church (where four years 
later in company with a party several of whom had participated 
in the battle in a grove of trees bearing marks of the battle, we 
ate our noon day lunch) beyond which to the right in the dis- 
tance is the Hawkins Farm House, which many of the 153d 
Regiment passed in the retreat in the flight for safety on the 
evening of May 2, 1863. 

Upon reaching the edge of the great timbered forest, known 
as tbe Wilderness and which remained practically as on the day 
of the battle and where the Orange Plank Road proceeding in 
a southwesterly direction joins the Old Turnpike, we continued 
along tbe latter for a distance of about a quarter of a mile, 
where we alighted from our carriage ; here a road, known as 
the Brook Road, turns toward the right penetrating the forest, 
and proceeding along this road for a distance of a quarter of 
a mile we stopped at the point which Government maps indicate 
as the position of the 153d Regiment. This was in the bed of a 
shallow and lazy stream (Hunting Creek). When we reached 
this point I noticed a special interest on the part of my com- 
rades who almost at the same moment expressed the belief that 
tbat was the very spot which they occupied twenty-three years 
before in battle line. The feelings of these men, with memories 
of that ill-fated eventide cannot be described. 1 [ere in the very 
woods in which they were attacked and where after the breaking 
of the Eleventh Corps they became lost, spending the night amidst 
horrors, the shrieks of the wounded and dying, added to which 
was the burning woods wherein many met their death, standing 
perhaps on the very ground where two of their own company, 
Francis Daniel and Freeman Stocker were forever lost, they 
stood living over again in memory the scenes of that horrible 
day and night. Postals were written to the folks at home, and 
to their brave Capt. Rice, then living at Elkhart, Indiana. 



I56 HISTORY OF THE I53D RKGT. 

After the exchange of many recollections of what they saw 
here at the time of the battle we returned to Chancellorsville 
by the same route we took into the Wilderness, passing the Tal- 
ley Farm House, the headquarters of General Devens command- 
ing- the First Division to which the 153d was attached, and 
where nineteen years later old Mr. Talley who lived on the 
place during the battle, presented me with cuttings from a beau- 
tiful geranium which have grown and flourished to the present 
tune. A mile eastward is the location of Dowdall's Tavern, the 
headquarters of General Howard commanding the Eleventh 
Corps, and some distance to the right is Hazel Grove or Fair- 
view visited by me some years later in company with a number 
of veterans — one of them (the late Major J. Edward Carpenter) 
the sole survivor of the four officers who commanded squadrons 
of the Eighth Penna. Cavalry in its desperate charge to check 
the Confederate rout. 

Our return trip was via Aldrich's, about two miles southeast 
from Chancellorsville, where in a large field my father was 
corraled with other prisoners on the morning of May 3d, and 
where he was latterly joined by Sergeant Shultz, now with us, 
and other captives of the regiment. We continued our journey 
along the Cartharpan Road, passing Piney Branch Meeting 
House, just as the services were concluded and it was a pictur- 
esque sight to see the congregation, all black as ebony, men, 
women and children, some of the former very aged smoking their 
pipes, suggesting their probable ignition within the portals of this 
otherwise sacred edifice. 

We continued our journey to the site of Todd's Tavern, the 
scene of a desperate cavalry fight, thence by the historic Brook 
Road we found ourselves in a little while within the lines oc- 
cupied by Grant's army in 1864, passing the spot where Sedg- 
wick was killed by a rebel sharpshooter, the "bloody angle" 
where the muskets of the infantrymen of the two armies almost 
touched each other as they lay across improvised breastworks 
on the outer line, and where the effects of shot and shell were 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 57 

plainly visible, and where were scattered in almost unlimited 
quantities remains of canteens, cartridge boxes, buckles, straps, 
bones of man and beast, and other relics suggesting the carnage 
of this great fight. 

We drank water from the spring, near the McCool House, 
which slaked the thirst of many of the wounded and dying of 
both armies during the memorable siege. 

We secured relics, personally cutting bullets from fence rails 
and trees. At Spottsylvania Court House, not far distant, my 
companions pointed out the tree in the court yard, under which 
they spent the first night after their capture on their way to 
Richmond via Guiney Station. It was over this route to the 
latter station that General "Stonewall" Jackson was taken after 
being wounded, and which he reached about the same time as 
did my captive comrades on the afternoon of May 4th, and where 
Jackson died on May 10th following, uttering those memorable 
words — "Let us pass over the river and rest in the shade of the 
trees." 

On the return trip to Fredericksburg we passed many historic 
homesteads and small streams bearing the names of the Mat, 
Ta, Po, and Ny, which join to form the historic Mattaponv 
River. 

On nearing Fredericksburg we made a detour to the right so 
as to view the alum springs and deposits of petrified wood, 
reaching Fredericksburg in the early evening. 

Within the triangular space, which we practically encompassed 
in our journey from Fredericksburg to Chancellorsville, and 
from Chancellorsville to Spottsylvania Court House and return, 
more men were killed than upon any area of equal dimensions 
in the world from the creation to the present time. 

After a night's rest, we returned to Washington, where we 
spent a few hours in sight seeing and in the viewing of the 
cyclorama of "The Battle of Manassas" reaching the City of 
Brotherly Love in the early evening. 



158 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

This visit to the great battlefields of Virginia with two partici- 
pants in one of them, is to the writer one of the memorable 
events of his life, and as he grows in years and in the knowledge 
of the Civil War and recurs to this particular event of his life, 
his interest is intensified, and he is thankful that the privilege 
was afforded him to accompany his father, who has since passed 
beyond this life, to these historic spots, and at the very age 
which his father had attained when he was a party to one of 
the scenes there enacted, and that it is his privilege after a lapse 
of twenty-three years since our visit, as it was to him twenty- 
three years after the great fight to record in a modest way our 
trip to Chancellorsville on July 4, 1886. 



J. L. Boerstler, Co. A. 

Comrade Boerstler belonged to the Ambulance Corps. "I had 
just gone over to see the Colonel to ask him about the oats for 
the horses. I saw him just behind the regiment. When the 
rebels came through the slashed trees and the attack came on 
the Colonel drew on his gloves and said to the men in line, 'get 
ready for action.' He seemed to be greatly excited, and when 
the column moved back, when commanded to do so by the Brigade 
Commander, the Colonel started back, and being portly and 
having on his high-topped boots was unable to run and was 
soon captured. Bill Fisher had charge of the Colonel's horses 
and rode one of them from the field at the opening of the engage- 
ment. He had just asked the Colonel what he should do with 
the horses in case of a battle, and the reply was "Look after 
your own life and leave the animals if you cannot safely take 
them off." 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 59 

George Beers, Co- A. 

"I was detailed as courier on the Staff of General von Gilsa. 
The One Hundred and Fifty-Third Regiment was a favorite 
with the general, and he was often associated with it. He had 
also detailed several other men for some work he had to do. 
and selected them from the 153d." 



Experience of Peter Herman, Co. A. 

"I was captured in the battle of Chancellorsville May 3d, 
1863, at about 8 o'clock in the morning, and about one mile from 
our Saturday's line of battle. In company with 4000 prisoners 
I marched to Spottsylvania Court House where we were kept 
over night in the jail yard. Having two gum blankets I shared 
with Colonel Glanz, he and I sleeping together. On the next 
morning we left for Guinea Station. While resting on the 
way the Colonel gave me money requesting me to buy him a 
pair of shoes., as he found it very hard marching in his high- 
topped boots. After a long search I found a pair, but which proved 
to be too small for him. I then started out and exchanged them for 
a larger pair, which were all right. I also carried his overcoat 
for him on the march. We remained at Guinea Station three 
and a half days, during which time Stonewall Jackson was 
brought here wounded. He died before we left,* only a short 
distance from our camp. While here the Colonel gave me a 
twenty dollar Confederate bill requesting me to purchase some 
cakes for our use. I took with me a gum blanket in which 
to carry them. I found a sutler and laid down the bill for 
the cakes. But the sutler said, 'I won't take that money.' I 
said, 'Why not? It is your own money.' He replied, 'yes 
but our money won't go in England, and yours will.' I went 
back and reported to the Colonel, who made some remarks 
which were not very complimentary to the rebel sutler, and 

*He died on Sunday, 10th. 



l6o HISTORY OF THIS 153D REGT. 

gave me a five dollar greenback. For this I got about three or 
four pounds of what we call 'ginger snaps.' On returning I 
handed them to the Colonel, but he said, no, 'pass them among 
our men.' 1 did so and bad only four or five left. These the 
Colonel refused, so I ate them. 

A heavy thunder storm arose and we were thoroughly drenched. 
We left the Station on the 8th of May about noon, and marched 
to Hanover Junction. Here we remained over night, and had 
rations dealt out t<> us, consisting of two crackers and about 
one and a half or two ounces of boiled ham to each one. I 
asked the Colonel of our guard how far it was to Richmond. 
He said it was thirty-two miles and that we must march the dis- 
tance without stopping, which we did excepting short stops for 
rest. We arrived at Libby prison about ten o'clock that even- 
ing. About nine o'clock the next morning we were given a five 
cent loaf of bread for eight men. At 9 p. m. we were served 
with three-fourths of a cup of black bean soup, which was very 
poor stuff. This ration was a sample of our daily rations dur- 
ing our confinement. Every day the officer of the floor would 
come in and say. 'Yanks, fall in in groups of fours.' In this 
way we were counted instead of having roll call. 

When we came out of prison, confederate women were wait- 
ing to supply us with one cent biscuits at twenty-five cents a piece. 

1 paid two dollars for eight biscuits. We marched to Peters- 
burg the first day. We were in the rain all day and all night, 
but with cover at night. We left the woods about daylight and 
marched to City Point a distance of nine miles and arrived at 

2 p. m., having marched about 32 miles. We were under escort 
of Cavalry and Infantry. The rebels were moving empty cars 
in the same direction we were going to bring back their prisoners 
and could have taken us on board the cars as well as not. We 
left City Point about 4 p. m. on eight steamers, which our 
government had sent for us. The next day we arrived at 
Fortress Monroe where we received rations and water. We 
left in the same boats for Washington, D. C. We were con- 




dr. 
















■ v* 






' 












1W* 














1 *> 




J 




j*^*r 




, 








1 *^V'> 






'*■*/ / 


fcjftij 









NARRATIVES OE THE COMRADES l6l 

ducted to Camp at Alexandria and afterwards to the Soldiers Re- 
treat in Washington where we remained over night. From there 
we went to Philadelphia where we slept in the depot, and on the 
following morning started for I larrishurg. Here we remained, 
awaiting the arrival of the regiment after the hattle of Gettyshurg, 
and with them went to Easton where we received a great re- 
ception. When Company A. reached Nazareth they had a fine 
reception hy the citizens, 



Narrative by Rev. George W. Roth, Co. C. 

"While working at my trade, carriage smithing, in Coopers- 
burg, Lehigh County, the 153d Regiment being organized, I 
learned that many of my former associates were enlisting in 
the army, I at once determined to be among them and enlisted 
in Company C. Dates of events and names of places I cannot 
now definitely recall. My diary was lost with my knapsack, and 
my memory through sickness did not retain many things I would 
be now glad to know and be able to relate. One of the things 

I best remember while encamped at somebody in camp 

had liquor, at least our Captain's little French cook seemed to 
have had too much. During the night he accidentally discharged 
a rifle in his tent. The Captain was very much frightened, and 
greatly excited called the Company to ranks. He wanted to 
know who attempted to shoot him, and under great stress of 
alarmed feelings demanded to know. We were finally dismissed 
and returned to our tents, but not to sleep much that night. 
While we were entrenched at Gettysburg our Kri^adier General, 
von Gilsa passing our Company, wondered whether the bullets 
whistling near his head were intended for him. About that 
time comrade Aaron espied a sharpshooter in a tree in front 
of us, and soon brought him down. When the General was told 
about it he asked to see Comrade Aaron, thanked him, and handed 
him a green back. 

At Chancellorsville I was on the picket line when the rebels 
11 



362 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

•came rushing upon us through the woods yelling like fiends. At 
the command of the officer in charge I fell back into line, and 
soon the command to fire was given. My comrades dropped 
by my side. Soon the retreat commenced, one of the provost 
marshalls trying to rally the scattered forces, struck at me with 
his saber, hitting my rifle, cut a deep gash into the barrel, by 
which I knew it ever after. I soon found the Company again. 
I will never forget the days of hunger when we ran short of 
provisions. I stretched out my bill of fare with the hard-tack 
until finally the last one was consumed and yet the hope of a 
new supply was not realized. Having nothing else to eat I 
gathered up the grains of corn the mules left in their feeding 
troughs and had scattered on the ground. It was scanty fare, 
but I was thankful for even that. 'This is for insulting the 
Quarter-Master,' was the inscription on a placard tied on the 
iback of several comrades who were marched through the streets 
of the regiment. They had said some hard things because there 
was nothing to eat. 

Our old fifer, George Lee, one day discovered a quarter of 
beef. He reckoned it would be as good for Company C. as for 
the regimental officers. He managed to bring the tempting 
food to his tent and covered it with blankets and leaves. We 
were all too hungry not to keep the secret, so he dealt it out 
among us, and we cooked it undercover of hard-tack. Never 
was meat as good as that. Thank you, George. 

The only case of real home-sickness I ever saw was that of a 
comrade in Company C. The home feeling seized him so strong- 
ly, that he was rapidly being reduced to a skeleton and his mind 
was in danger of becoming unbalanced. He was discharged 
and sent home, and finally recovered. Later he prepared for col- 
lege under the same private tutor that I did, and entered the 
gospel ministry. He died a few years ago. 

Shortly before the march to Gettysburg, I was taken sick with 
typhoid fever. When the march began I was shipped to Colum- 
bia College Hospital. Washington, D. C. where I remained until 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 163 

the expiration of our time. I was longing to be with the boys 
at Gettysburg, but the fever prevented it. This illness may 
have been the means of saving my life, but the effects of the 
fever clung to me for more than a year. I was mustered out 
with the regiment at Harrisburg. After I had gained sufficient 
strength to do a day's work I took up my trade at Bethlehem. 
Later I prepared for the gospel ministry, and here I discovered 
that the fever had very much impaired my memory. But with 
constant effort and exercise, its powers have been greatly re- 
stored, although many things of the past are lost to me. 

At present I am located in Boyerstown, Berks County, Pa., 
and am serving a charge of three congregations. I have been in 
the ministry since 1876, and in the present field sixteen years. 
Uncle Sam is using me well." 



Isaac E. Smith, Co. K. 

Comrade Smith relates the following: "At Gettysburg when 
we were ordered back from our position of the first day I retired 
through the town. Many of the men got confused in the con- 
gested streets. Other troops from other regiments had come 
in from the west at the same time. I saw a man who was 
wounded in the foot. He was hobbling along and coming to 
a stoop with an opening beneath, the fellow crawled under and 
that was the last I saw of him. I withdrew to the south side 
and lay that night behind a wheat field where I remained until 
the next day evening. General von Gilsa was walking around, 
in open sight of the many sharpshooters and I told him he had 
better sit down. He replied, 'Perhaps I had better; for they may 
keep on shooting at me all day.' About dusk the cannon shots 
behind us were fearful. Above the noise of battle I distinctly 
heard the clear voice of Gilsa giving directions and encouraging 
his brigade." 



164 HISTORY OE THE I53D REGT. 

Comrade Theodore Keller, Co. C. 

Comrade Keller, who shared the trials of camp life, the hard 
marches and the fierce hattle at Gettysburg, has written us to 
notify the Battle Field Memorial Commission that he fought in 
that famous battle. This communication reminds the author of 
the duty of informing the men of the 153d that it will be impos- 
sible for the War Department to get an absolutely correct list of 
the men who were there on the occasion, and who by participa- 
tion in the engagement July 1-4, 1863, are entitled to be recorded 
on the tablet of the State Monument. 

The following is the substance of a letter addressed to the 
writer: "I now mail you the roll of the 153d — your gallant 
regiment. We want you to go over this roll and see that the 
names are spelled correctly. It is a copy of the roll when you 
were mustered for pay on the day before the battle of Gettysburg, 
June 30, 1863. It is presumed that as the men were present on 
that day, June 30th, they were present at the battle. He further 
states that, "Every man on this roll was present on June 30th, 
and answered to his name 'present,' and it is certified to by the 
mustering officer that they were present. The names of all 
deserters should be stricken off the list." 

The facts we find are that there were less than 600 men carried 
into action in this battle, and the records above referred to show 
that there were 910 men present at the muster the day before 
the battle. The monument on Barlow's Knoll shows less than 
600 taken into action. 



r >fM<" 



NARRATIVES OF TIIK COMRADES 165 

Notes by Rev. Anthony Straub, Co. A. 

"I am very sorry that all the letters I wrote to my dear 
mother, while in the service have been lost, which, if I had 
them, would furnish me plenty of material to comply with your 
request. Yet I will undertake to give you some of my recollec- 
tions as well as I am able to do. 

First of all I will never forget the night we spent in the 
Universalist Church in Easton where all of our Company A., 
of Nazareth, spent the night on the hard benches. Sleep was 
entirely out of the question as the noise, the turmoil, and the 
fun-making were something great. Some would bark like a dog, 
some imitate a cat, some a cow, and while others were snoring, 
others would shout, dance and tell stories, and so the night 
passed. The next day we were loaded on cars and transported 
to Harrisburg and marched out to Camp Curtin where we were 
afterward mustered in the service. 

Here we received our bounty money. Then followed the 
trip to Washington. We marched through Baltimore, and en- 
camped on Camp Glanz outside of Washington. We crossed 
the long bridge a day or two after and were shipped on to 
Alexandria ; from there by rail to Manassas Junction and Gaines- 
ville and from there to Bull Run battle field; from there back 
to Chantilly and Aldie and then marched on to join General 
Burnside; next on to Stafford Court House. We had marched 
two days without provisions of any kind. The first thing we 
got to eat the third day was salt pork, the fat of which was 
a hand high, which in our great hunger we ate without any 
other kind of food. In consequence many of the men were taken 
with dysentery. 

We arrived at Fredericksburg too late to help Burnside, who 
was defeated before we arrived there. When we were en- 
camped at Brooks Station, our winter quarters, we had every- 
thing we needed for our comfort. The winter we spent there 
I shall never forget. We had some in our Company who could 
not write very well, and these asked me to write letters for them 



1 66 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

to their folks at home. I was kept busy day by day writing- 
letters. We also held prayer meetings in camp, such of us as were 
so inclined, from the several Companies. Some were from my 
Company and from Captain Buzzard's Company not a few. We 
had one very profitable visit from General O. O. Howard, who 
addressed one of the meetings. Among other interesting inci- 
dents was the receipt of mail, often containing clothing. The 
drills given us by General von Gilsa, were very entertaining. 
The variety of life of varied experience broke the monotony, 
and made things cheerful. 

I shall never forget the day when we finally broke camp on 
the 27th of April, 1863, and crossed the Rappahannock river 
above Fredericksburg, also the Rapidan and arrived at Chancel- 
lorsville. Here on the 30th day of April we, for the first time, 
smelled powder. Amidst shot and shell on the memorable even- 
ing of May 2d, when we were surrounded by the enemy, routed 
and scattered in all directions. Here our Colonel and many of 
Company A were taken prisoners. Here I got separated from 
my regiment and got into a regiment of U. S. regulars, and 
stayed with them over night, and on Sunday morning, May 3d, 
I found my regiment. At six o'clock that morning, was com- 
manded to join a detachment of six from each Company, who 
were to be employed as skirmishers, between the two armies, 
and had to stay out between two lines, from 6 o'clock in the 
morning until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, before we could be 
relieved. In two days we retreated back to our old camp. 
From here we marched to Gettysburg, crossing the Potomac at 
Edwards Ferry, encamping at Goose Creek. Here we all took 
a bath. On the march we threw away our overcoats, knapsacks 
and everything which was burdensome, reaching Emmitsburg 
where we encamped over night. On reaching the town of 
Gettysburg we were marched out to the Franklin County Poor 
House. I received a wound back of this building, after which 
we were ordered to retreat to join our army on the heights of 
Gettysburg. I was detained during the 2d and 3d day's fight, 
having been detailed to assist the doctors. I found my own 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 167 

Lieutenant Benjamin F. Schaum wounded and brought him 
in on a wheel barrow. I also brought in comrade John King, 
who had received eight or nine wounds, I did not mind mine 
so much because it was but a slight flesh wound. God saved 
my life that day. 

The fourth day after the beginning of the battle, and after 
the glorious victory, I joined my regiment at Hagerstbwn, Md. ( 
and with them marched to Frederick city. Here we received 
orders to be mustered out of service. The home-coming was a 
day never to be forgotten. There was great joy over meeting 
dear ones after an absence of ten months. We received a great 
reception at Easton, and our Company A had a fine reception at 
Nazareth in front of the Moravian church. 

God be praised, all the hardships, dangers, and fighting are 
over and we have again been a united country for the last 
forty-three years, and hope we may so continue for all time to 
come." 



Edward Young, Co. A. 

"When the attack came at Chancellorsville I saw the rebels 
coming through the tree tops. I saw Colonel von Gilsa on a 
black horse. As I retreated I came to entrenchments, and as- 
sisted in digging the earth works for the cannon which had 
halted there. When we came to our entrenchments on Sunday, 
we remained there for many hours. John Johnson was taken 
sick. It rained very hard during some of the time, and I cov- 
ered the sick man with a coat and piece of shelter tent. On the 
retreat I saw two cannon caught among the trees as they were 
emerging from the woods, and a pair of mules tied together and 
fast in the mud. 

At Gettysburg I was among the detail made up from three 
men from each Company. We were called out to a place 
called Miller's town. I was in the skirmish line with Lieutenant 



l68 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Clyde Millar. We remained out two days and nights. We lay 
in front of the cannon on the hill which fired over us. The 
flash and roar of the guns was awful." 



Sergeant David Mall, Co. B. 

"I was born in Hanover Township, May 22, 1840. Enlisted in 
Company B of the One Hundred and Fifty-Third Regiment. 
My enlistment dates from the twentieth of September. During 
my term I was in the two battles, Chancellorsville and Gettys- 
burg. In the latter battle I was slightly wounded in the knee 
but remained on duty. I enjoyed unusual health during all the 
while I was in the service. I endured all hardships of the march 
and exposure and dangers of the battlefield with resignation, 
having voluntarily given my service for the good of my country. 
The many descriptions of battle given by my comrades are a 
faithful record of what I saw and experienced and now with 
the survivors of our loyal regiment share the benefits of our 
beloved and saved country." 



Henry A. Miller, Co. B. 

Theodore Miller was wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, and died 
in the Eleventh Corps Hospital on the 4th day. Following is 3 
letter which he wrote to his parents on the 25th of May, 1862: 

"Dear Mother: Yours was duly received the 24th inst. Brother 
Theodore received one from father the same day. It always affords us 
much joy to hear from home, especially to hear that you are all well. 
Health is a great blessing which we enjoy in this troublesome world. Let 
us lift our eyes to heaven and give God the praise. We are all well at 
present. We know not exactly when our regiment will get home. I 
think we will return the 22d of next month, when our time of enlistment 
will have expired. Some say we have to stay until the 7th of July. I 
hope and pray that the Lord will spare us to return. Let us put our trust 
iit the Lord and all shall be well. This experience will teach many a 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 69 

man to lead a different life. No news at present. The weather has been 
very warm. There is appearance of rain. Mr. Snyder is with us in 
the regiment for a few days. I would be very glad to get home and get 
to work. I am tired of this mode of life. Theodore and I unite in love 
to you all. 

Your son in much love, 

HENRY A. MILLER." 
Camp near Brooks Station, Va. 

The following letter from Comrade Rudolph Rossel gives a 
more detailed account of Henry Miller. It was written to the 
father of Henry. 

"Dear Friend Miller: — Your kind letter was duly received and read 
with much pleasure. As you desired I went and got all the information 
I could concerning Henry, and you will pardon me for not answering 
sooner, as I did not get to see Mr. Doll until this morning. I have in- 
quired also of David Moll, who says that Henry was wounded on the 2d 
of July in the evening. He was not with him at the moment he was 
wounded, but he saw him shortly afterwards. Henry spoke to* David 
asking him to get a blanket for him if possible, and while he was gone in 
search of one an ambulance came along and removed him to the hos- 
pital. That was about 7 o'clock in the evening, (the writer was in the 
ambulance corps at the time) but whether he died on the third or fourth 
he could not say for certain, because he was not at the hospital at that 
time. (Many of the wounded near the cemetery gate were hurriedly 
placed in the arched building (see cut) and these the writer assisted in 
removing to the Eleventh Corps hospital in a barn on a farm south of the 
Baltimore pike) . Comrade Doll says he was brought to the Corps 
Hospital on the 4th of July in the morning after the Rebels had evacuat- 
ed the town, and shortly before Mr. Doll came there Henry had been 
removed for burial. He undoubtedly died on the Glorious 4th. How sad 
that we who were within a mile or two from where he was wounded 
could not have been with him to at least pour cold water on his wounds. 
Henry was a good boy. 

This is all the information I could get here concerning your son. If 
I can do any more for you I will do it with pleasure'* 

Bethlehem, Pa., 1863. 



I/O HISTORY OF THE; 153D REGT. 

Letter from Comrade Joseph Hillpot. 

July 7, 1863. 
"I heard yesterday that Henry A. Miller was killed in the great battle. 
To-day Captain J. A. Frey told me that he heard that Miller was buried 
at the Eleventh Corps Hospital, which is about two miles south of 
Gettysburg. This afternoon I walked out to the hospital to see where he 
is buried and to ascertain the particulars regarding his death. I found 
his grave in a field at a stone wall marked by a board on which was 
written: 'Henry A. Miller, Company B, 153d Regiment, Penna. Volun- 
teers.' I wrote my name together with a few lines on the board with a 
pencil. I then went to Dr. Armstrong and ascertained the following 
particulars. As nearly as the surgeon could inform me he was shot on 
the first day and died on the 4th. He was shot in the thigh, the ball 
having shattered the bone and flesh so that the wound was mortal. The 
surgeon gave me a pocketbook which contained twenty cents, also a letter 
found on his person after death." 



Letter from Comrade Theodore Miller, Co- B. 

"Camp near Potomac Creek Bridge, Ya., May 2~, 1863. 
Dear Parents: Your kind letters duly made their appearance. Un- 
doubtedly much consolation was afforded you on being informed that we 
were spared in the recent battle. Many of our soldiers have fallen in 
the late battles around the Rappahannock. As you have heard so many 
rumors about the Eleventh Corps, and our 153d Regiment, of our falling 
back, I will endeavor to give you a correct statement of the position we 
held at the time we were so unexpectedly attacked on Saturday, May 2d 
Our Corps (nth") was placed on the exteme right of the line of Hooker's 
army. Between its left and the right of the Twelfth Corps, our nearest 
support, there was a space of about a mile and a half (one-half mile) . 
Some say it was intended by General Hooker that our corps should form a 
crotchet on the right flank of the army, and that through a misconcep- 
tion of orders it was placed as above stated. The enemy did not advance 
upon us in front as he should have done ; but General Jackson by a well- 
executed turning movement, suddenly appeared in oblique order with 
close columns and attacked us in flank and rear. So suddenly and un- 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES IJI 

expectedly were we assailed that some of our men were shot in the back 
while sitting on their knapsacks. Surprised in this manner by an over- 
whelming force and a murderous volley, we were commanded to fall 
back, as any troops should have done under like circumstances. The 
poorest kind of generalship was displayed in placing us where we 
were. Being placed in a dense woods and nearly two feet abreast, having 
but a few pieces of artillery along the line. Our Corps has the honor 
of having given General Jackson his death wound. In the fork formed 
by the roads leading to Ely's and Germanna Mills, the woods had been 
fired and burned, consuming the dead of both armies, and perhaps also 
some of the wounded who were so seriously injured as to disable them 
from escape. Their sufferings must have been intense. Where private 
soldiers had been burned the fire had communicated with their cartridge 
boxes, exploding their contents and had terribly mutilated the body. The 
doctor said, 'May God deliver me from another such sight.' Our dead 
were stripped of their clothing by the enemy, but the treatment given our 
wounded was as kind as their own needy circumstances would allow. The 
Rebels admit their loss to have been much greater than ours. Thanks 
to Him who rules over us for our preservation of health and life. 
Brother Henry sends his love to all. Remember me to all. 

Your son faithfully, 
THEODORE MILLER." 



Captain Theodore H. Howell, Co. D. 

"I know that my men stood at least ten minutes firing in the 
line at Chancellorsville on Saturday evening, May 2d. Many 
of them fired as many as twenty rounds, and even had time to 
have fired more. I doubt not the statement of George Seigfried 
that he discharged as many as nine shots. The various com- 
panies as they stood in line of battle did not all retire at the 
same time. There was much confusion and the men did not 
retire until commanded by the superior commander. We were 
on the left of Company F. and were well enveloped before we 
made our escape. The 54th N. Y. of our Brigade was im- 
mediately behind our extreme right of the regiment. The 68th 



172 HISTORY oi" THE 153D RlCGT. 

N. Y. was also near by. The two Dickman cannon were small 
and were near Co. A on the left of the line. Captain Howard 
Under, of Company G, was on my left. Lieutenant Yeager 
of Company C was also on onr left. J le was also an excellent 
officer. The flag which the 153d bore through the battles was 
long after the war in possession of Colonel Glanz and Lieutenant 
Colonel Dachrodt. It had been exhibited on various gatherings 
of the regiment, and on request of the State authorities 
was returned to the Capitol of the State at Harrisburg. 
The Colonel presented a new one instead of the old tattered 
one. Subsequently the old one was sent to the Archives of 
the State. A cut of the dear old flag is furnished by our 
thoughtful Secretary, Comrade Mack. Through the courtesy 
of Adjutant General Thos. J. Stewart, a photographer, with 
whom Mr. Mack had made the arrangement, made the photo for 
the cut. The design of the colors is that of the ordinary 
Lnited States ensign on which were printed the battles through 
which the old flag had passed. All imprints have become 
illegible and the fabric reduced to mere rags — pathetic to look 
upon." 



Letter from David Knauss, Co. D. 

"1 was in some hard marches. On one of them (the writer's 
diary says, June 18), there were only enough men left in our 
Company (D) to make three rifle stacks. The rest had all given 
out on account of the excessive heat, and were left behind. I 
was in two hard battles, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. At 
the former we left our knapsacks before going into battle and 
never recovered them. There came on a cold rain, and we 
were ordered not to speak above a whisper until we got back 
across the pontoon bridge, (at l T . S. Ford) The night was cold 
and we had a hard time of it. I found a wet blanket and went 
into the timber and built a fire to dry the blanket. 

At the time we started to Chancellorsville, we had eight day's 



NARRATIVES OE THE COMRADES 1 73 

rations dealt out to us. I divided mine so as to get through 
with it pretty well, but others who ate all they wanted, ran out 
of provisions and got so hungry they took corn from the horses 
troughs and parched it. 

The first day at Gettysburg it seemed to me the rebels were 
bound to get to town. They shot a hole through the lines where 
we were, and our company was badly broken. When on the 
retreat, I kept loading and firing back on my own account. I 
was called in a few times to help take care of the wounded, and 
did the best I could, but would not give up my rifle. I then 
turned the wounded man (whom I was assisting) over to 
another fellow. Soon after this the hospital and all its inmates 
was captured. I picked up a better gun on the field. We were 
engaged at sharp-shooting, under heavy shelling the rest of the 
day. At night the enemy came up and drove us back to our 
battle line where they got the worst of it and were defeated 
that night. We had no officers left in our Company, and the 
next morning the few men remaining of Company D were put 
in another Company, the combined force numbering 22 men. 

When I went to the army I took for my guide a Bible. The 
selection from which was the 91st Psalm. I lost the Bible in 
battle. ^ Last August, 1908, I received a letter from my cousin, 
T. J. Knauss, of Emaus, Pa., saying that they had had a family 
reunion of 600 persons, and at that meeting they had the Bible 
which I had lost in the army. A Reformed minister of Toms 
Brooks, Va., saw in a paper a notice of the intended reunion. 
He had at the time this very Bible in his possession with my name 
in it. This was when 14 years ago he was stationed in South 
Carolina, when one of his parishioners who had been a confeder- 
ate soldier, gave him the Bible. The book contained my name 
'David Knauss, Army of the Potomac, born in Northampton 
County, Pa., son of Levi Knauss, Esq.' It had the Apostles' 
Creed written in German. 



174 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.GT. 

From the "National Tribune.'' 

Rev. Curtis V. Strickland, Musician, Co. D., tells of battle 
of Chancellorsville. 

"Editor National Tribune: — I am reading your history in the 
National Tribune of the battle of Chancellorsville with much 
interest. Our regiment, the 153d, Pa., was a member of the 
First Brigade, First Division, Eleventh Corps. Our regiment 
was on the extreme right, in the woods, and 'up in the air.' 
It was our first experience. The skirmish line was driven in, 
I should think, about 3 p. m. As they reached the line the 
entire brigade fired one volley. The drummer boys (and there 
were a lot of us), most all from Easton, Pa. — our ages from 
14 to 16 — the regimental band and a few others were to the 
right and rear of the regiment. We were having lots of fun, 
chasing rabbits, etc., little realizing what was going on in our 
front. When the volley was fired we drummers all started on a 
run, Snider lost his hat. The firing having ceased, we returned 
to our former place, guying each other. Gen. Devens soon 
came with his staff. I saw him in conversation with Gen. von 
Gilsa; then he left. They did not seem to be in the best of 
humor. We then resolved if there was another such occasion 
we would not run. We did not wait long. Skirmishing began 
and they were soon driven in, and the battle was on. We stood 
this time until we saw our brigade retreat, then we, too, started. 
We were soon out of the woods, and in crossing an open field 
I was struck with a minie ball. I fell to the ground. Some of 
the boys stopped. Snider tried to help me. Then our Chaplain 
and Comrade Mack, now of Bethlehem, Pa., stopped and picked 
me up, assisting me into the woods. At my earnest request they, 
in sorrow, left. The rebels were coming. I told them as they 
would at once be taken prisoners, they should leave me. With 
sad hearts they said good-by, and none too soon, as the first line 
of battle, 'Jackson's men,' were there in a few minutes. I can- 
not ask space to explain and tell all I saw. However, will 
say, 1 lay in the woods until Mondav afternoon, when I was 








: ; S 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 75 

found and taken to the house in the middle of the field men- 
tioned, which was turned into a hospital. I was under tire in the 
woods all day Sunday, and can hardly comprehend how it hap- 
pened that I escaped being hit again, for sometimes the shells 
exploded and bullets struck all around me. Then the terrible fire 
of the woods, especially the underbrush. I escaped being burned 
only by two Rebels helping me over the fire line, and laying me 
down where it had burned. I was found and taken back to the 
little house in the field, which was turned into a hospital. I saw 
a number of those who had been burned to death and other dead 
lying on the battlefield. The wounded had all been brought up. 
I was among the last ones rescued. In 13 days we were paroled, 
and under flag of truce were brought back in ambulances to our 
line, crossing at the United States Ford. My wound has given 
me much trouble all my days, but the comrades have appreciated 
my work, and I am gratified to know that all over our land, in 
every State, my music is used, especially on Memorial Day. 
If I am able I will attend the National Encampment at Toledo." 



Comrade Strickland Relates the Following: 

"In all probability, the house where I was taken after being 
rescued from the battlefield of Chancellorsville, was the house 
known in history as the Tally house. During my brief stay at 
the improvised hospital, a comrade, who visited another house on 
the battlefield, stated that he found a young man at said 
place, who was seriously wounded; and that he was a member 
of Co. E, of the 153d Pa. Regiment, from the description he 
gave me. I said, 'that, in all probability is Edward Bod> — 
a young man with whom I was well acquainted in my native 
town— Easton, Pa. In fact, we were school-mates.' When I 
returned after being paroled, I learned, that the young man spoken 
of, was missing since the battle. He was never heard of, and 
there is scarcely a doubt but that the young man was Edward 
Body as stated. I remember him as an estimable young man, 



i;<> 



HISTORY OB Tlllv 1 5 3 1 > Kl'.OT. 



but he was numbered among thai silent Company that never 
came back." 



Levi F. Walters, Co. E. 

"The following are two instances of bravery which, both for 
tln-ir individual interest and for their connection with the 1 3 ^ < l 
Regiment, peculiarly merited a place in this history. 

The first will doubtless be called to mind by manv of the 




i,<-vi !•' Walter, Private Co. B, 

veteran readers of these pages, who eould hardly have escaped 
being witnesses of it. 

'Sill'! GAVE US GREAT CHEER.' 

One would naturally suppose that news of the death o\ a 

beloved and trusted commander would have a depressing effect 

upon the troops under him. Just the reverse happened when, 
on that memorable first day of July. [863, it was learned by 
the soldiers o( the Eleventh Corps that General Reynolds bad 
been killed. 

'Avenge Reynolds!' was the shout that arose. It was echoed 
and re-echoed down that long line of hot. dusty and weary 

soldiers who bad made what was almost a double-quick march 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 177 

from Emmitsburg, Maryland, to Gettysburg, a distance of eleven 
miles. And the death of Reynolds, instead of discouragement, 
gave a grim determination to his men. 

The fight had already commenced west of the town when we 
of the 153d entered Gettysburg from the Emmitsburg Pike. 
Along this pike we had met a thousand or more citizens, fleeing 
from their homes, as from 'the wrath to come.' Gettysburg, 
when we entered it, was literally deserted. We advanced up the 
street from the Pike toward the town square, and here it was that 
the main event of this reminiscence took place. 

Standing near the middle of the street, amid all the bursting 
of shells, was a young girl. She was handing out water in a tin 
dipper, taking it from a tub which her father, a man of about fifty, 
kept filling with buckets carried from his house nearby. These 
were the only two civilians in sight. 

It is not difficult to imagine what an attraction this spot was 
for the soldiers, especially for the younger ones of us, who 
were as eager for the sight of a pretty girl as for the refreshing 
water she dipped with almost provoking impartiality. She wore 
a white dress, and an apron and bib representing the stars and 
stripes. This, as many will remember, was a style much worn 
by patriotic ladies at the time. 

The writer, in his due turn, got a drink from the dipper lifted 
by those brave young hands. He recalls saying to the girl, 
'This is no place for you.' 'Oh, it's all right, I think,' was 
her reply. 

In his magnificent speech at Nazareth in May, 1909, General 
Howard related an incident of a girl who waved a flag to the 
soldiers in a street in Gettysburg where the bullets and shells 
were flying thick. He must have referred to the same girl, 
although the heroine of the present account was more profitably 
engaged. There can, at any rate, be no more fitting tribute to 
this girl's memory than the words of General Howard, 'She was 
very brave, and she gave us great cheer.' 



178 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

A REAL LEADER. 

One more instance of brave conduct, of which the writer is 
possibly the only witness living. 

In the first clay's fight on Barlow's Knoll at Gettysburg, the 
overwhelming Rebel forces, as all know, drove our comparatively 
thin line back. The writer, who lay on the ground at the ex- 
treme right of the line, with a bullet wound through a knee 
joint, remembers watching, with mingled apprehension and pride, 
the stubborn retreat of our regiment. 

It was after the main body of soldiers had gone back about 
a hundred yards that the writer saw Captain Howard Reeder of 
Company G standing not ten feet away. He was deliberately 
discharging his revolver into the ranks of the onrushing Rebels. 
He then turned and ran. How he ever got away without being 
killed is a miracle, as the Rebels could not have been more than 
[5 fc<et from him. 

This was certainly the deed of the type of leader who orders 
his men not, 'Go in there/ but 'COME ALONG in.' 

A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. 

Following the retreat of our regiment and its subsequent 
rally, the writer was in danger, as he lay on the field, of being 
shot again by his own comrades. That this did not occur was 
entirely owing to the kind services of a Confederate soldier. 

Nearby there was a clump of large trees, (which, by the way, 
have since been cut down). Now in the enemy's line, formed 
in the rear, was one particular Rebel who took advantage of 
the protection afforded by these trees. As the balls from our 
own Union forces were Hying fast all around him, the writer 
asked the Rebel to place a large, loose tree stump that lay a short 
distance away, in front of him. 'I don't like the idea of being 
hit by my own regiment,' he said. 

Hardly had the Rebel gotten back behind his own tree when 
three minie balls struck the stump in front of the writer. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 179 

'Young man, I saved your life,' called the Rebel. The afore- 
said young man was not scant in his thanks, as may well be 
imagined. 

SIGNALS FROM A HOSPITAL ROOF. 

Lying in this same spot until the afternoon of July 2nd, the 
writer was then removed to the Poor House. No room being 
available there— the place was filled with Rebel wounded— he 
was put down in the yard, near the driveway. 

Shortly before noon of the third, a Rebel signal corpsman 
got up upon the roof of the Poor House, and started to signal 
the Confederate Army. 

Then began a terrific cannonade from the Union forces in 
their efforts to dislodge this fellow and stop his signaling. 
The shells passed over our heads and landed in the garden 
nearby. Judging from the effect upon the writer's own wound 
—each crash was like singeing the leg with hot iron— the suffer- 
ing of the wounded in the Poor House must have been terrible. 

This torture had continued for some time, when a bright 
young Confederate officer passed by. The writer called his 
attention to what the corpsman on the Poor House was doing, 
adding that he thought a hospital was not the place for a signal- 
ing station. 

To the young officer's credit be it said that his face flushed 
with shame at the action of his comrade in arms. Drawing 
a revolver, he pointed it at the Rebel on the roof, and, with an 
oath, commanded him to come down or he would kill him. The 
fellow complied in a hurry, and the firing that had been directed 
upon the Poor House ceased at once. 



l8o HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.GT. 

Captain Lucius Q. Stout, Co. F. 

There were few men in the regiment with whom the writer 
was better acquainted, especially in earlier life. He was a man 
of fine presence and of congenial spirit and manners. He made 
friends and held them. He took great pride in everything that 
pertained to his Company, and was deservedly popular with his 
men many of them having known him from boyhood. 

One of the members of Company F, has furnished the follow- 
ing brief testimonial of his captaincy: "Captain L. Q. Stout 
may have had his faults, and who has none? My remembrance 
of him will always be pleasant. He was a true and honest 
officer in his duties and to his men. He was a father to his 
Company. He will be fondly remembered by every man who 
served under him." 

A long and serious illness prevented him from continuing with 
us during the entire service in the field. He was confined to 
the hospital much of the winter and late in the spring. A brief 
reference to the Captain's illness appears in the account fur- 
nished by Dr. Abraham Stout, one of our Surgeons. 



Noah Dietrich, Co. E. 

Comrade Dietrich: "We arrived at the Almshouse after pass- 
ing through Gettysburg about noon and unslung knapsacks and 
threw them in an outbuilding. The cannon balls passed over us as 
we crossed the field. I was taken captive while in company with 
Ed. I laden of Co. E. We had an opportunity to pass over the 
battlefield of the first day. Here we found Capt. Ricker of our 
Company, who being wounded in the knee, had dragged himself 
behind a pile of cord wood as protection from the sun. We 
carried him over to a farm house, where a doctor dressed his 
wound. Presently a Rebel cavalryman came along and gathered 
us up when we were taken to Carlisle and paroled. We then 
went to Harrisburg by rail for the muster-out. (Spent some time 
at West Chester)." 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 151 

Lieutenant Beidelman, Co. F. 

William Beidelman was born in Lower Saucon Township, 
Northampton County, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1840, and 
was a son of Daniel Beidelman, who served as a County Com- 
missioner of that County. Soon after his birth, his father 
moved to Williams Township, where the subject of this sketch 
spent his boyhood days on the farm of his father. He received 
his education in the Township Schools, the New York Confer- 
ence Seminary and Troy University. He became a law student 
in the office of Edward J. Fox, Esq., in the City of Easton, and 
in May, 1862, graduated from the Law Department of the 
University of Albany. He was then admitted to the Bar of 
Northampton County, where he practiced his profession almost 
continuously to the time of his death. During the civil war he 
enlisted as a member of Company F, 153d Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, September, 1862, serving as Lieutenant 
of that Company; and took part with his regiment in the battles 
of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 

In October, 187 1, he was elected District Attorney of North- 
ampton County, which office he filled three years, and in Novem- 
ber, 1878, was elected to represent that County in the Senate 
of Pennsylvania, for the term of four years. In 1890, he was 
elected Mayor of the City of Easton, and served in that capacity 
until April, 1894. He was also a member of Dallas Lodge, No. 
396, F. & A. M., and of Hugh de Payens Commandery, No. 19, 
Knights Templar. 

Mr. Beidelman was a writer and traveler of wide experience. 
He wrote the "Story of the Pennsylvania Germans," and per- 
sonally collected most of the data for his book, making a num- 
ber of trips to Germany for that purpose. At the time of his 
death he was engaged in writing a history of the Germans, 
who early emigrated from the Palatinate District of Germany 
to America. He had collected much original data on this sub- 
ject from the early German records, still in existence in that 
district. He died February 1, 1903, and was buried in the Eas- 
ton cemetery. 



1 82 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Lines in memory of Lieut. William H. Beaver, of Co. D, 
153d Pa. Vol., who was struck in the heart with a minie 
ball, falling dead by the side of his comrades at the battle of 
Gettysburg. Taken from "Garland Their Graves No. 5," by 
C. V. Strickland. 

"Take Thy Rest.'' 

1. 
"Sleep on, dear comrade, and now take thy rest; 
The grave where thou liest is hallowed and blest. ■ 
In the heat of the battle, when fiercely it raged, 
Thy sword was unsheathed where the flag proudly waved. 

2. 
The spot where thou liest in old Gettysburg 
Shall ne'er be forgotten, while ages may surge. 
We sing of thy manhood, a soldier so true, 
Thy name's on the record with those of the blue. 

3. 

And while in the grave that is hallowed and blest, 

Thy body is now so sweetly at rest; 

In the heaven of peace, thy spirit so pure 

Is dwelling and resting with Jesus secure. 

4- 
We will not recall thee from heaven above. 
For soon we shall join thee in that home of love; 
And there in the land of the pure and the blest, 
We, too, shall forever be sweetly at rest. 

5- 

With beautiful flowers thy grave shall be strewn, 
The emblems of memory with richest perfume. 
That beautiful mansion our Lord shall prepare. 
A home of the faithful, with thee we shall share." 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 183 

Sergeant Samuel Lantz, Co. F. 

On the 2d clay of the battle of Gettysburg I assisted comrade 
Lantz from the field to a barn by the roa'dside— the Baltimore 
Pike. When I left him and another wounded man I forgot to 
take with me my haversack. Twenty years after the war the 
widow of comrade Lantz sent me some of the articles, which I 
value very highly. Another incident, more singular than other- 
wise occurred. After my return from leading him to a place of 
safety, I was standing near the cannon in front of the cemetery 
gate, when a shell exploded killing a horse. During a visit on 
those grounds in the year 1892, I was standing on the very spot, 
when a boy came along selling relics which were picked up, and 
I bought a piece of a shell on the identical spot where I had 
stood under the deadly range of the flying balls of Lee's guns 
twenty-nine years ago. 

At the time I was nursing in the nth Corps hospital, I spent 
a night of the most awful heart strain I had ever experienced. 
A young man lay under the eaves of the barn during a torrent 
of rain with but slight covering surrounded by hundreds ot 
others. His cries for help were truly the most heart-rending 
one could listen to. His shrieks became unendurable. I hunted 
about to learn from what direction the calling came and finally 
found him under some boards which had been hastily laid up 
for shelter. I asked him where he was wounded and he could 
not tell, except that he had great pain between his shoulders. 
I removed his shirt to ascertain the location and character of his 
wound and by the dim light of an old lantern I succeeded in find- 
ing a wound between his shoulder-blades, the shape of the in- 
cision being exactly that of a bayonet. From the size of the 
hole the weapon must have pierced deeply into his body. On 
the visit above mentioned I found a rusty bayonet in an adjoin- 
ing building which the owner of the building gave me as a 
souvenir. 



184 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

Sergeant Edward J. Kiefer, Co. F. 

Edward J. Kiefer, Co. F, (brother of the writer) was a faith- 
ful soldier. His relations with the members of his Company 
were always the most cordial, and for the term was the quar- 
termaster for the Company. He was captured on the skirmish 
line before Culp's Hill, but was paroled and returned with the 
Company and was mustered out with the command. He was 
in company with Charles M. Shively and several other friends 
who were among the captives. The spot where they were cap- 
tured; indicated by comrade Shively, is evidence of the fact that 
they were in the thickest of the battle from which their escape 
was marvelous. 



Jeremiah Transue, Co. F. 

Jeremiah Transue, an honorable neighbor of the writer, was 
faithful up to the time of his serious wounding, and had the 
sympathy of a large number of his comrades. 



S. C. Romig, Co. F. 

"On our way to Gettysburg from Emmitsburg, we traveled 
through muddy roads, as it had rained considerable and it seemed 
to be the most peculiar sort of clay, being of a very sticky 
nature. I did not give attention to it until I was wounded 
and lying in the hospital. For several days my feet annoyed 
me very much and I asked a nurse to remove my shoes. He 
tried to take them off but finally said it was impossible. I 
told him to cut them off as the mud had become so hard and dry 
that there was no way of removing them. He got the shoes 
off but he forgot to wash my feet, and the soil remained on 
them until it wore off. On the long march to Gettysburg the 
shoes had become literally worn out ; the bare skin being exposed. 
During the retreat of the first day back through the town we 
passed through grain fields. In one of them the grain had 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 85 

been cut and removed, and the ground was what the farmer 
calls a stubble field. I, with my exposed feet, ran with 
the rest of the men and the Rebels close at our heels. Figura- 
tively speaking I saw stars in broad-day-light. Meantime I 
thought of home and friends but ready to shoot every Rebel 
in sight. We finally landed on Cemetery Hill behind the stone 
fence. Here I thought let them come now, shoes or no shoes, 
we will let them know that we are here. After being behind 
these fortifications for a while we soon saw the Rebel skirmish 
line drawing out on our right. Orders came soon for us to go 
down and meet them which we did, in the fields down below 
Cemetery Hill. My position at this time was behind a rail 
fence and I laid my rifle on a rail to fire whenever a rebel 
popped up out of the tall grass or from behind a tree to fire at 
us. That was the way in which we had to pick them off when 
the opportunity came, I was just in the act of firing when I 
was hit by a ball in my left knee. I, of course, ceased firing, and 
lay down and took in the situation which was very sorrowful 
for me and rendered me helpless to move. Lieutenant Barnes, 
commander of the Company, at that time came near where 1 
was lying. I told him quickly the condition I was in, as there 
was no time for a long story. He sent two men to carry me 
from the field and away from danger, which they did willingly, 
I suppose to get away themselves. They took me up to Ceme- 
tery Hill across the road and laid me down in some grass 
when my two comrades, which were, so kind to me, vanished. 
I looked about and learned that I was lying in a grave yard, the 
old Gettysburg cemetery. Soon, however, an ambulance came 
along and I was taken up, and the horses driven as fast as they 
could go, and I was lodged in the Eleventh Corps hospital. 
I was laid on the threshing floor of the barn used for a hospital, 
and laid down near the big door. There I had a fine view 
of the bursting shells coming in our direction. It was at the 
time of Pickett's charge. There were at one time six explosions of 
shells in one moment. It was a grand sight indeed, but the 
danger was becoming so great that every man was removed 



l86 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

excepting myself and an old German, who expressed himself 
in something like the words, 'Och da licbcr Gud was gcbds 
nuch.' The surgeon who had been in shortly before looking 
at my wound ran for his life, his coat tail standing straight 
out. As he passed the door he called out to me, 'get out of 
there as soon as you can,' the same time knowing that I could 
not move. He soon sent two men to carry me away, which 
they did. They placed me in the lower part of the barn, in 
a building called a wagon shed. This place was occupied mostly 
by wounded Rebels. I was now out of sight, but not out of 
danger. These fellows were my company for two weeks, they 
arguing for their cause and I for ours." 



George King, Co. F. 

Comrade King was an expert horseman and on that account 
was detailed by the Quartermaster for teamster and was con- 
nected wth the brigade trains. 

To supply ammunition in the battle of Chancellorsville, he 
was sent in company with another team to deliver a load of 
cartridges to the army beyond the Rappahannock. A six 
mule team could draw 25 cases of 100 lbs. each. He was one 
of the men who foraged for corn at the time when men and 
animals were destitute of food at the encampment of Stafford 
Court House. He relates the sad case of a soldier who in great 
desperation for food asked permission to eat corn from the mess 
the teamster was about feeding to his team, and the man ate so 
ravenously of the raw whole corn that in three hours he died 
from the effects. He relates an incident of men in a half starved 
condition eating meat taken from the head of an animal which had 
many days before been killed for food and the skeleton of the 
carcass left entire. , 

On the march from Brooks Station to Gettysburg Comrade 
King was attacked with typhoid fever, and with many other sick 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 87 

men was removed to Columbia Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

There he remained until October. On his arrival in Easton at 
night, though still weak from his long illness he started for his 
home and on the way in the darkness was overtaken by a man 
on horseback ; who happened to be a neighbor of his parents. On 
speaking to him to his great joy he learned that he was Charles 
Long, who instantly dismounted and placed the soldier in the 
saddle and accompanied him to his father's home. The joy of the 
family was undescribable, and all sleep was suspended for the 
entire night. 



Notes by W. H. Marsteller, Co. F. 

"The men I recall who were detailed to assist in the cutting 
of the trees in front of the line May 2d, were James Woodring, 
William Stover, Amos Queer. General von Gilsa was present 
and directed the work. He rode a sorrel mare. Andrew 
Seigler was the first man killed from the regiment. I fired 
five rounds before we retired. 

I recollect many things about the boys. At Gettysburg dur- 
ing the first days fighting Comrade Philip Halpin was killed 
between the Almshouse and Barlow's Knoll. I knew Sergeant 
Edward Kiefer. He always looked out for us in dealing out 
the bread. Charles M. Shively was a prisoner; so was Cham- 
berlain. John Kressler was a good, pious soldier. So was 
Edwin Boder. Captain Stout was sick and wholly unfit for 
duty most of the time. Lieutenant William Beidelman was 
a regular rooster, very patriotic. Steven B. Frick was a wagon- 
driver. So was Blackley. Abraham Benner was a good sol- 
dier, was wounded at Chancellorsville. Then there was Stephen 
Romig and William Raub both good soldiers. William H. 
Riehl was the life of the Company. Ira Scherry was 'trans- 
ported,' did camp duty. I knew Jesse Soys who was wounded 
he has since died. George Steckel was Company cook, and 
was promoted to Brigade cook; John Balliet was his assistant 



l88 HISTORY OF THE 153" REGT. 

Jackson Stein was dubbed "Stonewall Jackson." lie got the 
mules through the mud hy using strong arguments. William 
Stoneback had charge of the medical donkey. lie said the 

mule was wounded and that he destroyed part of the medicine 
to keep it from falling into the enemy's hands. There was 
Aaron Sandt, of Bath, and John Snyder a meinher of the Hand. 
Joseph I ). Stocker was a mule driver. William II. Taylor was 
a line man. Charles Wassar drove the ambulance wagon, and 
since hecame a veterinary surgeon. Nathaniel Weigner was 
a tanner and the hase drum of the Band having heen hursted, 

Weigner entered a tannery at Burkettsville and found a calf 

skin in the vat which he tanned for the drum." 



William G. Tomer, Co. F. 

Comrade Tomer has passed from the scenes of the earthlv 
life. He was a much respected and loyal comrade, and filled 
an unusually important position in the army. 1 lis talents for 

clerical work, and his superior penmanship brought him to the 
notice of General Howard who at one time gave him employ- 
ment <>f responsibility and recommended him to a position of 

trust in the government after thi' war. lie was also private 
Secretary for Captain Stout ^i Co. |\ lie was honorably dis- 
charged with his Company. 



John Kressler, Co. F. 

A young man of excellent christian habits, who from pure 
patriotic and conscientious motive- enlisted in the defense of 

his country, was highly esteemed by the men of his Company 
and especially of the mess to which he belonged in camp. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 189 

Reuben Transue, Co. F. 

Comrade Reuben Transue was a friend of the writer. We 

very much regret that he left no account of his experience. All 

his associates have also died. Fortunately his family have fur- 




Reuben Transue, Co. F. 

nished a picture of him which we cheerfully add to the list 
of well remembered comrades. He served his country and has 
gone to his reward. 



Wm. H. Taylor, Co. F. 

This exemplary man was an intimate friend of the writer, 
and it is a singular incident that he is the only one to whom the 
writer spoke while in the entrenchments at both battles. The 
first occasion was while our men lay behind earthworks near 
the United States Ford, and the second instance occurred behind 
a low stone fence near the cemetery entrance on Cemetery J [ill. 
He advised us of the danger of the sharpshooters, which suggest- 
ed retirement to duties in the hospital. All the men of our mess 
are dead and very few of our Company are now living. 



190 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

A. J. Benner, Co. F. 

Abraham J. Benner, born on December 29, 1840, in Lower 
Saucon Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. First 
enlistment, April 18, 1861, Company A, First Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, discharged July 23, 1861. at Har- 
risburg, Pa., expiration of term of enlistment. Re>-enlisted 
September 30, 1862, Company F, 153d Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Infantry. 

He was in engagement, Chancellorsville, Va., May 1st, 2d 
and 3d, 1863, and was wounded by gun shot in right shoulder, 
May 2d. 

Comrade Benner's regiment occupied a position on the right 
wing, facing the southern army under General Jackson. In 
the beginning of the engagement the regiment had been ordered 
to lie down on their stomachs to shoot, roll over on their backs 
to load guns, thereby escaping the rebel balls. While 
in the act of loading his rifle a cartridge became jammed in 
the barrel, Comrade Benner arose to his feet to force the 
cartridge into place, while doing so, a Rebel soldier about ten 
paces in front of him, took deliberate aim and fired, wounding 
him in the right shoulder, bringing Comrade Benner to his 
knees, but he returned the Rebel soldier's fire. At this verv 
moment the Union army was ordered to retreat, while retreat- 
ing Comrade Benner met an ambulance which took him to the 
field hospital. Here he remained all night, when next morning, 
the hospital being in line with the ammunition train which the 
Rebels were shelling, the order came for all the wounded that 
were able to run, to hurry across the Rappahannock at United 
States Ford. He stayed here at signal station all that day and 
night. The next morning the Rebel army commenced to throw 
shells across the river towards the signal station and ammuni- 
tion train, when again the order came for all the wounded 
soldiers that could, to run. Fifteen of the wounded soldiers 
including Comrade Benner were loaded into an armv wasfon 



NARRATIVES OF TILE COMRADES I9I 

and taken to Stoneman's Switch, here they were loaded into 
a cattle ear and taken to Aquia Creek Hospital. Stayed here 
two weeks, transferred to the Regimental Hospital for one 
week, then sent home on a ten davs furlough 

After coming home Comrade Benner's wound becoming worse, 
he was unable to return to the front and was finally mustered 
out with his regiment on July 24, 1863, at Easton, Pa. 



The Men of Company F. 

Comrade John Koken, whose widow lives at 328 Lehigh St.. 
Easton, was a good soldier. We were school hoys together, 
living in the same neighborhood from early childhood. He 
was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. While I was around 
the hospital, assisting in the care of 1500 wounded, I strolled 
out back of the barn (our hospital) and wholly unexpected f 
found my friend John lying under shelter of a few boards 
which had one end laid on a fence. It was along side a bar- 
rack. He was very glad to see me, and his case was pitiable 
enough. He had been wounded in the chest, and the great 
profusion of blood had saturated his clothes, pocket book and 
all. There were $60 in bills so covered with blood that they 
required soaking and washing. I laid them out on the boards, 
with some pieces of garments, also, to dry. He requested me 
to send his money home. He was subsequently removed to a 
hospital, I think, in Newark. He lived many years and was 
employed in railroading. 

There were 24 men of my Company wounded and 7 killed. 
I was acquainted with but two of those killed, Philip Halpin, and 
Jacob Unangst. Sergeant John Seiple died of wounds.' He 
was in the ward of the barn and died near where I was in at- 
tendance. He suffered intensely from lockjaw, and when T 
saw that he could not live I thought death was preferable 
as I witnessed him breathing his last. 



192 HISTORY OF THE) 153D REGT. 

The Experience of Comrade Reuben Ruch, Co. F. 

"On the 29th of May, 1863, I made my escape fi >m the 
Corps hospital at Brooks' Station, where I had been tor four 
weeks under treatment for rheumatism and diarrhea resurts of 
typhoid fever. I had been on the sick list four months, and had 
became very lean. We had a big, fat, good-natured doctor. . . . 
I think his name was Shaw. I had been buzzing the doctor 
for about ten days to let me go to the regiment, and his answer 
always was that I was not fit for duty. The stench in the hos- 
pital among the many wounded was unendurable, and I told 
the doctor that fresh air would do me good, and if he would 
let me go to the regiment I would soon be all right. But he 
said 'If the regiment should start on a campaign what would 
you do ?' I told him I could find my way back to the hospital 
again. So luckily. . . .1 got permission, on condition that I would 
report to the regimental doctor. . . .it did not take me very long 
to get out of that place. It was two long miles to where the 
regiment was encamped, and it was a warm day. I had to 
rest two or three times before I got there. Instead of report- 
ing to the doctor as I had agreed to, I reported to the Captain 
of my Company for duty. I informed him on what condition 
I got out of the hospital, and told him to use me gentle, as he 
always did. We remained in this camp only a few days .... 1 
was detailed for camp guard, and it fell to my fortune to guard 
a lot of bailed hay. I remember the relief had a good time 
finding me under the hay, when it came time for guard relief. 
I must have been sleeping, for who ever thought of keeping 
awake on so good a bed — not I. We left this camp and re- 
moved about two miles to another. I think we were moved 
for the benefit of our health more than for anything else. This 
short march seemed to me about ten miles long, and I was very 
near the end of my strength when we went into camp. Here 
we put up a comfortable tent. . . .so arranged that we could roll 
up the sides during the day which made it nice and cool. But 
we did not enjoy our tent very long; I think about a week. 
During the week we had a good deal of excitement, being called 




Reuben P. Ruch, Co. F 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 193 

OUt almost every night. It was either a tramp to the picket 
line, or forming line of hattle before daylight. The orders, 
four days rations, and one hundred rounds of ammunition in 
the cartridge-hox and knapsack. 1 must say that we always 
had ammunition in abundance even if the rations were a little 
short at times. This with us made no difference. During the 
last of the short time we spent in this cam]) we could hear 
heavy cannonading every evening in the direction of Freder- 
ickshurg, and we knew there was going to he trouble somewhere 
before long. Under these circumstances many of our men might 
have been thinking about the next world, but we had not yet 
gotten through with this one, and our minds got to running 
on a plan how to clean out the sutler before leaving the camp. 
( )n the evening that this work was to take place, the old fellow 
was on guard all night and kept his lamps burning. I always 
thought that lie had gotten wind of our intentions. This be- 
ing the last night that we remained here in camp, the sutler was 
not cleaned out as he should have been. But then 1 think 1 
am square with him for I still owe him a bill of five dollars. 

On the 12th of June, (1863), at about 2 o'clock p. m., we 
commenced the famous march to Gettysburg. It was very dry 
for we had had no rain since the 9th of May. The dust was 
from two to three inches deep; and one could see the heat 
waves curl up from the dry roads about twenty-five feet, hav- 
ing the appearance of the sun shining on a piece of hot iron. 
The wells and springs were alxntt all dry, and the creeks very 
low. The clouds of dust would rise about one hundred feet 
above us, and I was informed that these clouds of dust could 
be seen for miles. 

Here is where I failed to carry out my part of the agreement 
with the doctor when I left the hospital. Instead of returning to 
the hospital I shouldered my knapsack, one hundred rounds of am- 
munition, three days rations, and a new Austrian rifle, I stepped 
in the ranks with the boys. I had gained somewhat in flesh 
and strength, but could not eat the coarse rations. .. .but kept 
13 



194 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

in ranks for eight or ten miles, when I called a halt. I took 
a look through my knapsack, and found I had some clothing 
which I could get along without. . . .and when I got through with 
my search the knapsack looked about as thin as I did. After 
this I met the Chaplain, and he was very anxious to know how 
I was getting along. As the water in the canteen had given out 
and I was very thirsty, I told him that water was scarce and 
hard to get and I thought a good drink of whiskey would be a 
great help to move a fellow along. I was hinting very strongly 
for a drink. But instead of getting a drink, I lost the friend- 
ship of the Chaplain. . . .1 soon came u with my Company, and 
here I found a negro wench in the ranks hoofing it along like 
a good fellow, but she soon dropped to the rear. We went into 
camp about dark, and, oh, my ! such sore feet as I had. When 
I pulled off my socks. . . .every toe had a blister and on the big 
joint back of the big toe the skin came off with the sock, as 
big as an old fashion copper cent. I did not stop to eat supper 
that night, but I lay down on my rubber blanket with my over- 
coat for cover, and was soon in the land of dreams. 

June 13th reveille sounded at 3 a. m., and we left camp just 
at the break of day. There had been considerable speculation 
the day before as to where we were going. And as the road 
had been bearing toward the left, or south, the word was 'left 
to Richmond ;' when the road turned toward the right this 
morning, saying was 'right for Washington.' My feet were in 
a very bad condition. . . .after marching. . . .for eight or ten miles, 
two large blisters formed on the bottom of my feet about an 
inch wide and two inches long. I had to stop and open these 
blisters and it was just like walking on coals of fire after this 
operation. It was not long before I was getting into the rear. 
I got so far behind the columns that I finally got into the ambu- 
lance corps, when I caught hold of a wagon which pulled me 
along three or four miles, and I was quite relieved. I got off 
the road looking for water, for I was very thirsty. I came 
to a pond in a field not far from the road. This was the worst 
water I ever had tried to drink. It was covered with a thick 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 195 

green scum with a lot of big long-legged flies skating over it. 
The pond was about two inches deep and filled with young 
frogs— the water was thick and smelled so strong that I could 
not drink it. But I must have water and filled my canteen out 
of this pond. I put into the canteen about two teaspoonfuls 
of coffee to flavor it. I came up with my Company shortly 
after,— and as I stepped into the ranks the boys asked me 'have 
you got any water?' Not a drop was my answer, still having 
about half a canteen of the stuff I had gotten out of the pond. 
But water was water and I could not give it away. I drank 
it all before we came to water again. 

We stopped to cook a cup of coffee about noon. Here was 
a little stream of water not over one foot and a half wide and 
about three or four inches deep, running water. It was 
pure, but as far as I could see up the stream the boys were 
washing their feet in it, and by the time it got down to where 
we were it was pretty well flavored. But this use of it made 
no difference to us. We made coffee out of it, drank of it, and 
washed our feet in it, and as far as I could see down the 
stream everybody was using it for the same purposes. 

I bought a pair of woolen socks from one of my comrades 
for fifty cents on credit, for we had no money. I do not re- 
member now whether I ever paid for them, but I promised to 
do so, and that was enough those days. By the time I got my 

feet fixed up the bugle called for us to get up and travel. 

I started with the regiment, and kept up for some time, but I 
had to frequently stop to fix up my feet by the operation on 

their bottoms and under these circumstances got away to the 

rear of my ^regiment into the wagon train. By degrees I 
caught up with the regiment, about a mile before it reached 

camp, on Cedar Run when I came up my Company gave three 

cheers for me as they always did on my arrival. We were just 
starting when a big fellow by the name of Benjamin Mann, 
dropped in the road with sun-stroke and was carried out under 
a shade tree and the doctor called. He was with us again in a 



196 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

few days but the poor fellow was killed at Gettysburg. I will 
mention him again before the end of my story. We went into 
camp at Cedar Run about 5 o'clock p. m. We made thirty miles 
this day. It was on a wager with the 2d Brigade. Brigadier 
von Gilsa had put up three hundred dollars that the 1st Brigade 
could out-march the 2d. The 1st Brigade was in camp about one 
hour before the 2d arrived. The General (Gilsa) made a 
fine little speech to us congratulating us on our marching quali- 
ties, and thanking us for making the distance in the short time 
and beating the 2d Brigade. 

After supper (coffee and hard-tack) — I went down about 
one hundred yards through a nice meadow, to take a bath. I 
thought I would return to camp in my bare feet, but I could 
not walk, so I got down on my hands and crawled back to 
camp. . . .an incident happened on the march. We came to a well 
which had an old fashioned oaken bucket and windlass. The 
crowd around the well was about two rods deep, and every man 
as dry as harvest hands. I worked my way up through the 
crowd and came behind a big fellow by the name of Wolf who 
belonged to Company D. He looked over his shoulder and said 
to me. 'hang on to me Rube,' I got hold of Wolf with my 
tin in hand, and held to his waist. He got hold of the bucket 
as soon as he could reach it. Three men on the other side of 
the well got hold of it the same time Wolf did. Wolf got the 
bucket and two of the men on the other side came very near 
falling in. My tin was full of dust, but was the first one in the 
bucket. But to get the tin out full of water was quite another 
thing. All that could crowded their tins on top of mine, and 
by the time I got mine out I had a half tinful of dust and water. 
By the time I had drank this the bucket had fallen to the bottom 
of the well. The boys went marching on. I think Wolf did 
not get a drop of water for his trouble. 

On the 14th reveille sounded at about 5 o'clock. After break- 
fast of coffee and hard-tack, a rumor came through camp that 
this was Sunday, and that it would conflict with General How- 
ard's religious principles to march on Sunday. I for one was 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 1 97 

wishing that the General's religious spell would last all day, 
but by ten o'clock a. m. the bugle sounded calling us to get 
ready to march. While we were packing the band gave us 
lots of music. But music had very little effect on us for we 
were too near dead If I had been offered ten thousand dol- 
lars this morning to march ten miles I would have refused it; 
for in my condition it was impossible for me to march. After 
the music, came the old familiar command 'fall in.*' But the 
boys did not get up and fall in, but answered the call in lan- 
guage I have requested the historian to omit if he thought best. 
As our officers could not get us started, finally our old Brigadier 
General von Gilsa gave the command in his strong vernacular 
(full of expletives) which had the desired effect to get the 
command in motion. On account of the condition of the men 
it was almost impossible to move them. We rested at the end 
of the first half mile; the next coming at the end of a mile; 
then we made a few miles when we began to get warmed up 
then there were no more stops until we came to Broad Run. 
Being behind when the rest came into camp I told the doctor 
that I could not go any further. Dr. Stout told me that when 
the column started I should drop out and he would give me a 
pass for the ambulance, and that he knew that I was. . . .not able 

to keep in ranks 1 went down to the run for some water. . . .it 

was the same old story everybody's feet needed a washing and as 
far as I could see up the creek it was full of men, horses, and 
mules. I got my dinner of hard-tack and coffee started be- 
fore the regiment and came to a nice shady place by the road- 
side. Here I waited to keep my appointment with the doctor, 
but when the regiment came along the boys all dropped into the 
shade. After a little rest I felt better and started off with the 
regiment, having put off my appointment with the doctor. 
After a mile or so we had another rest, then they got us down 
to business again. We struck the Orange and Alexander rail- 
road near Catlett Station then followed the railroad, to 
Manassas Junction. Here were some general officers reviewing 
us. The dust from Manassas to Bull Run was about three 



198 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

inches deep. Just as I had thought of dropping out to wait 
for the doctor we heard a few cannon shots in the direction 
of Bull Run. We were lined on the side of the road for two 
batteries and a regiment of cavalry to pass in that dust. I think 
that for a distance of four miles ahead of us we could see 
nothing ten feet in front of us on account of the dust. . . .my hips 
were raw from the belt of my cartridge box. I took off the belt 
and placed it about my shoulders, and kept in ranks until 1 
got to Bull Run. Here I was attacked with a sort of blindness 
and dropped beside a tree. I had a fellow with me when T 
stopped, but when he left me I did not know, but found myself 
alone in the dark at Bull Run. I filled my canteen and took the 
road to Centreville. After crossing the Run I met an artillery- 
man. I asked him about the 1st division of the Eleventh 
Corps, and he informed me that they had gone on to Centre- 
ville, five miles distant. This bit of news was not very 
encouraging. Five miles to go alone after night, tired and 
footsore. I soon met another fellow and he said they were 
encamped on the McHenry farm, and pointed out to me the 
campfires. I took a cross-cut and came to an old mill race 
with about a foot of water in it, and wading through it soon 
came to a camp. But the men around the campfire looked 
strange to me; they were so dusty, that their uniforms looked 
more like the Rebel gray than the Union blue. I knew none of 
the men. I asked for the 1st division of the Eleventh Corps, then 
for the 1st brigade and to both inquiries the answer was, here. 
I then asked for the 153d Regiment and the answer I got was, 
here. Then I asked for Company F, and got the same answer, 
here. Here I was in my own Company and did not know them. 

I tried to make a cup of coffee, but a fellow stepped on a 
stick and upset my coffee pot into the fire. I gave him a dutch 
blessing and went to bed without my supper. This day we had 
marched twenty-two miles .... Bull Run was always looked upon 
as dangerous ground, and whenever we got into the neighbor- 
hood of it we looked for a fight. . . . 

On the 15th we drew some rations and among them was the 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 199 

same old mess pork, the fatty portion of which was six inches 
thick. This was the first meat of any kind we had received 
since the 12th of June, the meals of the intervening days had 
been crackers and coffee and coffee and crackers. We had 
no time to cook the pork so we would cut off a slice, run a stick 
through it and toast it over the fire to fry the salt out of it. 
Then scrape the salt off it and eat it just about raw. . . .It was 
not long after we left camp the drinking commenced, and we 
drank all the water we could find along the road. It made no 
difference to us whether it was good or clean, only so it was 
wet. The weather was very warm and drinking so much 
water caused many poor fellows to fall by the wayside. We 
came along where they were burying men who had died from 
the effects of drinking too much water. . . .we did not know how 
soon our time would come to go hence. We got to Centre- 
ville somewhere between 8 and 9 a. m., and I was not long 
finding a spring, with a crowd about three rods thick. I 
crowded into the spring. By lying down I could reach the 
water, could get about one-third of a tin full at each dip, and 
got my canteen full of mud and water. I got out of the crowd 
and came up to the village and soon saw another well with a 
wooden pump in it. I was the first man on the ground. I met 
a boy about ten years of age at the well. . . .iHe said let me fill 
your canteen. I told him to let me see some of the water first 
as my canteen was full of spring water. Such excellent water 
I had not seen for many a day. I told him he might fill my 
canteen and he went to work at once. He commenced to 
pour out the contents — mud, water, coffee grounds, lemon peels 
and the like. It was truly laughable to see the look of astonish- 
ment on the lad's face as he saw the contents of the canteen .... 
well my tin cup, coffee kettle, canteen, myself included were 
all full of that good water, and I left the boy with a soldier's 
blessing. . . .on my arrival in the street I met doctor Stout, and 
asked him whether he wished a drink. . . .he emptied the tin cup 
for me and said, 'where did you get that water?' I told him 
and he went to fill his canteen. .. .we removed our camp to a 



200 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

meadow, near a nice spring,. . . .General Hinzleman's Corps was 
encamped around Centreville, and some of his men called on us. 
But they did not seem to think much of us, claiming we were 
too dirty and hard looking for gentlemen to associate with. 
We removed our shoes, and dressed our feet. Then we lay 
around all day, and needed no camp guard to keep the boys 
in camp. In the evening the Hinzleman soldiers had dress 
parade, with their shoes blackened and white gloves on. This 
was the only time I had seen white gloves while in the army 
of the Potomac. 

If I remember right it was on this evening that our Colonel 
Glanz arrived, returning from Richmond, Libby prison .... We 
all turned out in our stocking feet to greet the Colonel. He 
made a speech to us and dropped a few silent tears. The old 
man had changed since I had seen him last. He was quite 
corpulent when he was with us before, but when he got back 
he was just about as thin as I was. After he joined us he went 
with the regiment a few days, but he did not take command, 
as he claimed he was not well.... On the 17th as I arose, a 
comrade of mine by the name of Henry Zearfass, was still 
sleeping. I aroused him and told him to get his breakfast as 
there was a hard day's march before us. He told me his 
commissary supplies had run out. I took my cap and went 
around among the boys and soon had it full of coffee, sugar and 
hard-tack which filled his haversack for him. He was a nice 
young fellow, but he had no cheek. He would starve before 
he would beg. After breakfast while we were packing up my 
tent-mate had a nice piece of bacon, and he said to me 'Rube 
1 am going to throw this away I can't eat pork anyhow.' I 
told him to give it to me I would carry it ; for I thought the 
gentleman would eat pork about noon. And I was right. . . .we 

left Centreville about 4 a. m We had made five or six miles 

when a halt was made, and this brought us to a house. There were 
three men at the house, one had a bandage around his head, 
one had his arm in a sling, the other was lame. The boys 
accused them of being Rebels, and they denied it. Myself and 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 201 

ethers were leaning against the garden fence. In the garden 
there was a nice bed of onions, the fence fell over and all T 
got was two onions and as the bugle sounded for us to fall 
in I looked down across the meadow and saw some of the 
Germans after a drove of geese. They were using a long pole 
with which they were knocking the heads off the geese. That 
was to me a new way of killing geese. .. .After marching a 
few miles we came to a little creek. Here we were ordered to 
fill our canteens, as we would not again find water for twelve 
miles. . . .we kept in ranks for about ten miles. The water had 
given out, the sun was very hot, and I commenced to get blind. 
I told my tent-mate I would drop in the shade a few minutes, 
and he said he was with me. We stopped about fifteen minutes 
then went on. The road was lined with men who were occu- 
pying every shady place. My Company had fifty-six men, and 
our orderly sergeant with five men were all that were left to 
stack arms. My partner's nickname was 'Chunkey.' He was 
over six feet tall and very thin. We were about 15 minutes 
late coming up to camp and when we halted, I said to Chunkey 
which will you do build a fire or go to the creek for water? 
....We took a seat under a shade tree to eat our dinner, — 
coffee, hard-tack and raw bacon. I brought out the piece of 
bacon which Chunkey was going to throw away in the morning. 
1 cut off a corner and began to eat it when I said Chunkey 
have a piece it tastes good. I handed his piece which was five 
inches square and two inches thick, and he ate it with great 
relish, the grease meantime dropping from his chin before he 
got through with it. The 18 or 20 miles we had come from 
Centreville had brought Chunkey to his appetite. .. .we moved 
on a few miles further and went into camp on the banks of 
Goose Creek, by a mill dam, a splendid place to swim, and I 
think everybody took a bath. In the afternoon when the rear 
guard came into camp they brought with them about a dozen 
to fifteen long-legged narrow-chested pleasant Virginia farmers. 
They had their hands in their pockets, stood round shouldered 
like a hound in a mush-pot. They were under a strong guard. 



202 HISTORY OF TH£ 153D RKGIMKNT 

It rained some during the night, and they were the picture of 
distress the next morning. I then learned that two of our men had 
had their ears cut off, and that two had heen found with their 
throats cut. They all belonged to our brigade, which was the 
reason for bringing these innocent, peaceable farmers into our 
camp. What was done with them I never learned. They all 
looked as if hanging might be too good for them. I always 
had respect for a man who being an enemy would declare 
himself such, and come out and fight. But I never had any love 
for those innocent bushwhackers 

.... We remained on the banks of Creek till the afternoon, 
when we moved about a mile back from the Creek and en- 
camped near a farm house. The old farmer was Rebel to the 
back-bone. He would not take the oath of allegiance and the 
boys took everything he had, and would have carried off the 
farm, but he took the oath and had a guard furnished him. 

As we went into our camp we put up our pup tent, as a 
heavy thunderstorm was coming our way. It rained very hard 
and continued all night. After we had our supper and had 
smoked the pipe of peace, I and Chunkey, and the other mess- 
mate whom we shall call Feldy, for that was his nickname, 
had gone to bed and I was asleep. I was called up to go on 
picket .... in this detail for pickets there were seventy-five from 
our regiment. We were marched to division 'headquarters, 
where we were ordered to load our guns, and where we were 
joined by other details, from other regiments, in all about three 
hundred men. We were then placed in charge of three mounted 
officers and started for the picket line. We were to relieve the 
pickets who were out. The night was pitch-dark, and we could 
not see the man that was in front of us, so in order to keep 
together each man took hold of the coat-tail of the man in 
front of him. We had to cross fields which had ditches which 
had been washed out by heavy rains, and it was no uncommon 
incident to find five or six men on top of each other in a ditch, 
or the same number taking a tumble over a big stone. . . .after 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 203 

we got through the fields, we entered a wood road where the 
going was better than in the fields. How far we tramped in 

the woods is more than I can tell but we could find no 

pickets and our guides were hopelessly lost. They called a 
halt and held a council and concluded to remain where we were. 
We had passed through our picket line and it was not safe 
to return that way in the darkness. Chances were that some- 
body might get hurt. We got orders to make ourselves as 
comfortable as we could and not make any noise. Under cover 
of my blanket leaning against a tree I was soon fast asleep 
and did not wake until the break of day. As I awoke I found 
I was sitting in two inches of water. As it was not the first 
time that I was sleeping in a mud hole it was nothing new, and for 
the first time, since we left Fredericksburg I had more water 

than I needed we started back towards camp, and about 

two miles back just at the edge of the woods we came into the 
picket line that we were to relieve the evening before. Our 
reception by the pickets was mixed with a good deal of pro- 
fanity, but we called them down by informing them of how 
bright they had been to allow three hundred men to pass through 
their line unobserved. We relieved them, and after spending 
two hours on post returned to camp. We remained in this 
camp until June 24th. Nothing occurred during this time ex- 
cept we were ordered to fall in one afternoon, and were in- 
formed that three deserters were to be executed near Leesburg, 

Va r (li(1 not see much in it only that such was the doom 

of deserters, and I suppose was intended to give us a pointer 
not to desert. During our time here some sick who had re- 
covered were returned, and those who were found sick with us 
were sent to that city. In our Company there was one man 
who thought he was sick. The rest of the Company thought 
he was playing off sick, and was trying to get into the hospital 
.... He reported to the doctors, was examined and came back 
to the Company with a gun and cartridge box. The first 
salute he received was, 'hello, you've got a box of pills, blue 
mass at that. They are enough to cure up any man in short 



204 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

order.' Well the fellow got a great send off, and made him- 
self scarce in a hurry and as near as I can remember he was 
cured. We had another fellow in our Company who was not 
well enough to carry arms. But his haversack had gotten too 
small for a sick man; so he went according to General Hooker's 
orders and made one out of a rubber blanket which would hold 
eight days rations. I am sure that it would hold more than 
three ordinary haversacks. I met this fellow once on a hard 
march in a wagon train. All he carried was the big haversack, 
and canteen, and a big staff in his hand to help him along, for 
he had the rheumatism. He was a regular out-and-out hospi- 
tal bum. . . .In the afternoon of the 24th we were notified to pack 
.... we felt rested and ready for the road. Our afternoon's 
march was only eight or ten miles to Edwards Ferry on the 
Potomac river. We went into camp near a farm house on 
a bluff, half a mile back of the river. . . .where we waited for the 
completion of the bridge then in course of construction. Here 
we had just a little fun. Our neighbors in one of the German 
regiments had found a sow and ten pigs, the pigs were nice 
and plump, about ten weeks old. They were nice for roasting. 
The dutch had killed all the pigs by the time I got around, and 
were just going for the old sow. She was about five feet long 
and three feet high and six inches wide. They had caught her 
and were holding a council of war over her. Some wanted 
her killed ; others thought she was too lean. Able remarks were 
made on both sides. The final decision was to let her go, and she 
went. . . .we retired to our bunks early as there were indications 
that we were to have a hard day's march on the morrow, and we 
did not know at what hour they might take a notion to start 
with us. On the 25th reveille sounded before three o'clock, and 
we were early crossing the pontoon bridge, which seemed to be a 
mile long. By keeping step we got quite a swing on it. We received 
many commands to break step. . . .but we felt like giving the 
officers a good swing, and gave them a shaking up before we 
got across. But we also got our shaking up before night. We 
went through Poolsville and up the Potomac then turned a 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 205 

northeastern direction and crossed a mountain. It rained in the 
afternoon, a very cold rain. On arrival near Jefferson, Md., 
in the evening we were tired and wet. We camped in a nice 
field. The farmer turned out three teams to haul cord wood to 
save his fences. But impatiently we made a raid on a fence, 
the order of the officer was that we should take only the top 
rail, which we did until we reached the bottom, and took that 
also if it was not rotten. We had cleaned up about one hundred 
rods of fence by the time the teams arrived with the cord wood. 
It rained all night and we were wet to the skin, spent a miserable 
night, and after the usual old bill of fare in rain and high wind, 
the command came to fall in and we marched through Jefferson. 
The band struck up a jig, the boys gave a cheer, and the ladies 
waved their handkerchiefs, and the remarks made were, 'Who 
wouldn't be a soldier ?' 

Passing through mud from four to six inches deep, baggage 
wet and heavy, we passed on to the battle ground of South 
Mountain, near Burkettsville. Here we found a good many 
graves, mostly of New Jersey troops. Our brigade was sent in 
to this place to guard the gap ; the rest of the corps went by 
another road to Middletown where we met them later. . . .Cher- 
ries were ripe and very plentiful in this place, and the boys did 
not object 'to pick cherries.' I and Chunkey took a walk.... 
had some cherries, when late in the afternoon Feldy came in 
camp with a great loaf of bread, about seven by sixteen inches 
and also three pounds of fresh butter. I asked him where he 
got them, and he said he bought them. I said where did you get 
the money ; for I knew he had none. He answered that he 
borrowed it.... I never found out how he came by it; but of 
course I had my own opinion how he got it, for I never believed 
that any member of our mess would take anything and not pay 
for it or at least promise to pay. . . .Let me state right here, that 
was the best bread and butter that I ever ate. 

.... In the evening a brigade of cavalry came over the moun- 
tain into Burkettsville. . . .they were the drunkenest brigade that I 
ever saw. Officers and privates were alike. I saw two privates 



2o6 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

trying to keep an officer on the saddle, I also saw officers trying 
to keep a private in the saddle. Some of them had to lay over 
till the next day, before they were able to follow up their com- 
mand. I was informed that they had struck a distillery, but 
I think the distillery must have struck them 

On the 28th of June reveille awoke us at 3 a. m. By 4 
o'clock we were on the road to Middletown. As we were march- 
ing past General von Gilsa's Headquarters the General was 
standing at the gate, and the Company, to salute him, came to 
'shoulder arms.' Just as Lieutenant Barnes of our Company 
gave the command to shoulder arms, the General gave the com- 
mand 'arms at will,' and as we did not obey promptly he re- 
peated the command, and made the remark 'you need not care 
for your little Major.' This caused quite a laugh in the ranks. 
Our regiment was commanded on this campaign by the Major 
. . . .We joined our corps between Middletown and Hagerstown, 
expecting to remain in this camp during the day. . . .we took the 
Pike to Frederick City, Md. The weather was warm, and there 
were many fine residences along the Pike.... cool shady places 
were occupied by the residents. .. .we would see the natives 
sit on their porches, with standing collars, shoes blackened, 
and smoking cigars. It brought a fellow back to see how folks 
live in God's country, and what home comforts a fellow could 
have if he were only there. To be honest about it this was the 
only day that I had the blues while I was in the army.... but 
it was tramp, tramp, all day long. . . .no halt until near an hour 
before sunset.... we were formed into platoons, front and 
closed up, and as I was pretty well in the advance of the column, 
and as the Hagerstown Pike has a down grade into Frederick 
City, I had a grand view back over that column. The Pike 
was packed full of infantry as far as I could see, and they were 
from 16 to 20 men abreast. . . .the gun barrels glistening in 
the evening sun made a sight never to be forgotten .... we kept 
on marching. .. .and began to feel hungry as we had breakfast 
between three and four in the morning, and all we had to eat 
was drv hard-tack. .. .minutes turned into hours, and still on 



NARRATIVES OE THE COMRADES 20"] 

went the columns. Some general officers passed along the col- 
umns after dark, and I think Howard and Harlow were among 
them.... it was a steady marching and no halt until n o'clock 

p. in we were ready for the road a little after daylight on 

the following morning. . . . 

The farther we got north the more loyal the people were. 
We met on the cross roads great crowds of men, women and 
children, and along the farm houses were set tubs of water for 
us. I never heard of any man, woman or child being insulted 
... .we traveled through a very line section of country this day 
and about six o'clock p. m. arrived at Emmitsburg, all tired 
....the sun came out and we had a nice day on the 30th of 
June.... for a boy of nineteen years I felt old, my knee being 
stiff, it was with difficulty that I could walk. . . .it was not long 
till Chunkcy and I'Vldy came in from picket. I was out of 
money and out of smoking tobacco. The Captain came to my 
relief, lie bought me a pound of tobacco, and a pair of socks. 
The Captain of our Company (L. Q. Stout) had been sick since 
early in the spring. . . .and on account of his disability he was not 
in command of his Company, but he was with us whenever there 
was a chance to get with us. Prior to this he wanted to resign, 
but we would not let him. He was one of the best officers to his 
men that was in the army. He came to Kmmitsburg on the 
evening of the 29th of June. He told me he had $79 dollars 
and by the evening of the 30th he did not have a cent left. He 
bought tobacco, socks and all those little things which the boys 
needed. I think this was the first time that we had the pleasure 
of seeing him since we left Centreville. He was going to take 
command of the Company, but the doctor would not let him. 
The doctor said he must be kept quiet, and away from all ex- 
citement. . . .During the day we moved to the north of the town, 
where our artillery had taken up position, and had some works. 
A thunder storm came up in the afternoon, and consequently 
we put up our tent. As we came through the town T noticed a 
nice bed of onions in a garden, and just about dusk I returned 
to town and borrowed a few onions out of that garden. . . .The 



2o8 HISTORY OF THE 1 531 > REGT. 

next morning- we left for Gettysburg before the pickets came 
in* and consequently 1 got into that first day's right and the 
picket did not get there in time to get into it. But they got 
a good dose in the skirmish line on the 2d day. They were 
all wounded but one or two before the battle was over. I can 
just remember one by the name of Rube who did not get hurt. 
It was the night before the battle that 1 shirked picket duty. 
But all is fair in love or war. Little 1 dreamed of the terrible 
slaughter that would take place on the morrow; and little did we 
think of the many that would be called to death before we should 
see another night. 

On the 1st of July, 1863, reveille was not heard early. . . .after 
breakfast which I think was between six and seven o'clock, — 
quite a little after we heard '( M'tieers call' — the officers came 
back and ordered us to clean up our guns as we might expect a 
skirmish before night. We all laughed at the idea of finding 
Rebels in Maryland and Pennsylvania. 1 think there was not 
one of us who knew that there was a Rebel on northern soil, 
at least 1 did not, nor did 1 care. We cleaned up our guns; 
that is swabbed them out, and saw that they were dry on the 
inside, and in good trim for active service. We had rain the 

night before, and it was a cloudy, close morning The next 

order we got was to pack up; just after that we all fell into line, 
when our Captain came along the line and was shaking every 
one by the hand and giving us good-bye. Boor fellow I think 
he was better informed than we were, for the tears were rolling 
down over his cheeks. . . .as near as I could judge the time, with- 
out a watch, it must have been after nine o'clock before we 
left camp. We went very slow starting out. At the state line 
we were informed that we were crossing into Pennsylvania, our 
caps went up in the air and gave three cheers for our native 

State The wagon train of the First Corps had blocked the 

road, and we were delayed for some time on account of it. Then 
we started across the fields to the right, went through corn 

*A detachment of 200 men which had been sent on duty at Ennnits- 
burg. 



NARRATIVES <>F TIIK COMRADES 2CX) 

and wheat fields, till we got to another road, we had just 

gotten into this road when we saw a horseman coming at a 
fearful gallop. 1 thought he was riding a white horse, but 
when we got to the head of the column, I saw it was a hay and 
the lather on him must have been an inch thick. 1 also noticed 
that we began to step out faster, and it was not long till we 
saw another messenger with more orders from the front. I 
heard the hoys say 'there is another long envelope coming,' 
as they called General Orders. We met live or six of these he- 
fore we reached Gettysburg. After we had received the second 
one we got down nearly to a dog trot, and kept that gait until 

we got to Gettysburg The next thing we heard was can 

nonading, hut it sounded as if it were twenty-five miles away. 
The hoys thought there was no use marching SO fast, for we 
would he dead long before we could get there. But the cannon- 
ading was getting plainer, and we could hear the reports better. 
. . . .The trot was kept up till we got to Gettysburg. It was very 
nearly a double-quick for eight miles. Kates in his history 
....states that the Eleventh Corps was tardy in coming up to 
Gettysburg. I am of the opinion that if Bates had been in the 
ranks with us that day he would have rendered a different report. 
We had hard marching before in this campaign, hut this was the 
worst. Some historians say that the roads were dusty. This 
is another mis-stated item. The roads were muddy, and in the 

town of Gettyshur<( mud must have been four inches deep 

I'.ut let us not forget the ladies of the town. They stood along 
the sidewalks with buckets of water, and doing all they could lor 
the men. Cod hless them. Our hand played as we entered the 
town. Cannon were booming, and musketry rattling, while 
wounded were being brought hack through the town. By all ap- 
pearances the hall was on ... we got through the town and 
just at the edge of it the hand stepped to the right, and let us 
take the right of way. As soon as we got clear of the town we 
received another reception, hut this was in the shape of solid 

shot, shells and everything that could he shot out of .-, 

cannon. Iiere we got the same old command to forward, double 
14 



2IO HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

quick, and away we went for the big red barn at the Almshouse. 
The shells were coming pretty thick before we reached the barn. 
Some were going over us, and some did not quite reach us. A 
shell exploded right over the column, and every man dodged for 
the instant. We had a little fellow in the company who threw 
himself on the grass, and while I was looking at him and laugh- 
ing, and not paying attention to my feet, the foot on the game 
leg struck a big stone and I fell stretching about a rod before I 
got down. The ranks opened and allowed me all the room I 
needed, and I have no doubt they thought I was the first man kill- 
ed. When I got on my feet again I was alongside of Captain 
Howell of Company D, and as our guns were not loaded, I pro- 
ceeded to load mine, when the Captain gave the command to 
load and it passed along the column. We got to the barn with- 
out the loss of a man, where we formed battalion in mass. 

Here the Major addressed the regiment. The following is a 
little that I remember. We were a nine-months' regiment, and 
our time had expired on the 22d of June. The Major told us 
our time was out and if there was a man in ranks who did not 
wish to go into battle ; he should step out, that it was no disgrace ; 
but that the enemy was in our native state, and that the people of 
Pennsylvania looked to us for relief, and that it was our duty to 
protect our homes. This is not the full address, but the main 
points, and before the speech was ended an order came for two 
companies for the skirmish line. Companies A and B were de- 
tailed, then the Major concluded his address. We gave three 
cheers and not a man stepped out of the ranks. The bugle 
sounded the advance, and we followed the skirmish lino by bat- 
talion in mass. All our brigade, but eight companies of our 
regiment, were on the skirmish line. To the left of us was a 
wheat field which was full of Rebel sharpshooters and the woods 
in our front was likewise full of them. While we were ad- 
vancing General von Gilsa took his position in the rear of the 
skirmish line, and about fifty yards in advance of us. I heard 
him talk to the skirmishers. Tie told them not to shoot unless 
thev saw something to shoot at, as ammunition was worth 



NARRATIVES OF THE) COMRADES * 211 

money, and they must not waste it. Just at this time the bullets 
commenced to whistle and some of the boys on the skirmish line 
were trying to dodge them. The general told the boys to never 
mind those that whistled, as long as they whistled they were all 
right. The skirmishers cleaned out the wheat field and woods in 
short order. We followed up the skirmishers to the woods, and 
there we deployed right and left in line of battle, and advanced 
about five rods into the woods, where we got into position. Then 
there were more side-steps to the right so as to stretch the line 
and cover more ground, till the line was not any more than a 
single line. As we were all tired or more dead than alive, it did 
not take us long to lie down. As soon as we got down, a battery 
in the rear of us, on higher ground than we were, opened fire 
over us and we could feel the heat of the balls as they passed 
over us. About this time the Rebels made a charge, away to the 
left of us, and the battery in the rear of us turned their guns on 
them, taking them by flank. ... We could see balls plowing 
up the ground along the rear of the line, and if ever Johnnies ran 
for cover those fellows did. Shortly after this they made an- 
other charge near the center of our line, but to the left of us. I 
think it was a feint, their object being to keep us in our position 
until they got ready. As soon as they fell back I told some of 
the boys near me that we would get a chance next. There was 
a little stream about three rods in our front, with large trees on 
the opposite side of it ; so that we could not see over seven or 
eight rods in front of us. Back of these trees was a large, level 
piece of ground or meadow,— a good place to form troops. I 
have seen the ground since, but I did not know about it at the 
time. It was only a few minutes after the repulse of the charge 
on the left, and I should think not over ten minutes after our line 
was formed till our skirmishers commenced to come in, fol- 
lowed by three lines of battle. The man on the right of me 
brought up his gun and took aim on one of our own men. Cor- 
poral Smith saw what he was about to do and suddenly struck 
his gun, raising it in the air so that though the gun discharged, 
the man was saved. The skirmisher was not one rod from us 
when this happened. It did not take the skirmishers long to get 



212 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

through our line. . . .1 fired my gun and as I was taking a cart- 
ridge a man behind me was shot. He fell half his length ahead 
of me, his face towards me. Here was the only time in my life 
when I tried to look cross-eyed. I was trying to get a cartridge 
into the muzzle of my gun on my left and watch that fellow dying 
on my right.... and just at this moment the man on my left 
was killed .... the thought occurred that I might be the next ; and 
there was no use being excited about it. . . .there was no running, 
but good, solid fighting. We had fired four or five rounds when 
I heard the order to fall back. Just at this time I was very much 
interested in a Rebel color-bearer. The enemy was only two or 
three rods from us. Our line was broken in the left and our 
right was attacked in flank. There was nothing left for us to 
do but to retire or surrender. The only protection on our right 
flank was the men with Lieutenant Barnes and Orderly Sergeant 
Seiple of our company. . . .We were ordered to fall back, but I 
did not obey this order with the rest of the regiment, for I was 
very much interested in the color-bearer. .. .he was coming 
through the creek in front of us. The creek was about twenty 
feet wide, and about three feet deep.... he was yelling like an 
Indian. At the time I was returning ramrod.... I thought for 
the moment I will fix him as soon as I can get a cap on my 
gun, but while I was placing the cap I changed my mind as the 
thought occurred he could do very little harm with that Rebel rag, 
that I had better shoot a man with a gun. There was a low fence 
between us — about four or five rails high — and about two rods in 
our front. A Johnnie reb was a little in advance of the wild 
color-bearer, with his gun at trail arms, and was about reaching 
for the top rail with his left hand, which was about hip high. 
When I fired he struck his hand against his side and dropped. 
He did not come over the fence. Up to this time I had been 
down on my right knee with my left one cocked, which gave me 
a very good rest for my elbow in firing. After I had stopped the 
reb on the other side of the fence, I arose and drew a cartridge, 
and while I was tearing it, I looked to the rear and our men had 
all fallen back about two rods, firing as they retired. This gave me 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 213 

a good view of those that were left dead on the first line of 
battle. It presented a regular swath of blue coats, as far as I 
could see along the line. They were piled up in every shape, some 
on their backs, some on their faces, and others turned and twisted 
in every imaginable shape. There was a dead man on each side 
of me. As I stood between those two lines of battle, viewing the 
windrow of human dead composed of my old comrades, it pre- 
sented a picture which will never fade from my memory while I 
remain on earth — a picture which tongue cannot tell nor pen 
describe. The bullets were whistling about like hail. I seemed 
to wear a charmed life, and the bullet was not yet made that 
could hit me. But I was soon undeceived. I had not gotten back 
much over two rods when I felt something strike my left knee, as 
we were in the woods I thought a bullet had struck a chip, and 
that the chip had hit me on the knee. When I looked at my knee 
I saw a bullet hole in my pants. I had not gone over five steps 
when I felt a similar sensation in my other knee. This one had 
cut a little deeper, which I discovered by pulling up my leg. I 
was between two brush piles as we were passing out of the woods 
. . . .after I was hit the second time, I went over the brush pile 
and toward the enemy, into an open field. It was a very hot 
place as we were under two cross-fires and a good fire from the 
rear. Both balls that hit me were from the cross-fire. There 
was a battery about three or four hundred yards in our rear on 
what they call Barlow's Knoll now. It was at this place we were 
ordered to fall back. I expected we would fall back to this place 
and there make a stand. But as soon as I got out of the woods 
I saw the battery was limbered up and was retiring. This wa« 
not all I saw. The first thing to mention was my partner Chunky. 
He was about a rod ahead of me wading through a stream of 
bullets. I thought Chunky was all right, that his legs were so 
slim no bullet could touch them. But he must have been in- 
jured just after I saw him, and was hit after all ; his leg was 
saved, but he was left a cripple for life. He lay on the field all 
that night and was not picked up until the next day. There was 
a young fellow in our company by the name of Trombower, and 
just as we were coming out of the woods he stepped up along- 



214 HISTORY OF THE) 153D R£GT. 

side of a big oak and drew up his gun to fire. Instead of going 
behind the tree he stood beside it and leaning his gun against 
the tree said, 'Come boys, let us give them what they deserve.' 
Just at that instant a ball passed through his right shoulder, his 
gun dropped, and I will not attempt to describe the looks on his 
face, which had wonderfully changed in a second. But he was 
made of the good old stuff, and worked the gun up against his 
other shoulder and fired. 

Everybody has heard of Jake Snyder's ride, but nobody has 
heard of John Snyder's run, or retreat, at Gettysburg. We had 
an old fellow in the company by the name of John Snyder, whom 
nobody supposed could be moved to go faster than a walk. He 
was hard of hearing, and being too slow for drill, he was used 
for doing the chores about camp. But he always carried a gun. 
He was good enough to go into battle, for he could stop a bullet 
as good as anybody. Just as I came out of the woods I looked 
toward where the battery had been posted on the hill and I saw 
John Snyder in full retreat, with his head drawn down behind 
his knapsack and his heels flying. He was the only man in our 
company that I saw running at Gettysburg. It is true that we 
were driven back for two miles. After I got into the open field, 
I took that way out. Our right was now our left in retiring. . . . 
I here saw a long line of the enemy closing in on our right (or 
what had been our right in advancing). This line of battle, over 
a mile long, was closing in on us like a gate. By the time our 
troops had gotten on Barlow's Knoll I had worked myself along 
in a straight line with the red barn at the Almshouse. To my 
right our troops were dropping like flies, and to my left was that 
solid line advancing and firing. I was at no time one hundred 
yards from the Rebel line. I passed along their front for nearly 
a mile till I got to the red barn. Long before I got to the barn, 
I could hear the voice of General von Gilsa. He was dismount- 
ed. A bay horse came along the line with saddle and bridle on. 
The general called on the men to catch his horse, which was soon 
surrounded and the general was in his saddle in less than a 
minute. Bv the twitches of the horse's tail the old man must 



NARRATIVES OF TH£ COMRADES 215 

have been tickling the horse with his spurs. It did not take him 
long to form a line of battle about half way between our first 
position and the town. He rode up and down that line through a 
regular storm of lead, meantime using the German epithets so 
common to him. I could hear the words 'rally boys'. .. .This 
line was ordered to fall back before I got into it, which still left 
me between two fires. I finally got to the red barn, where the 
highest post fence I had ever seen confronted me. I threw my 
gun over it, then commenced to climb it, but it was quite a job 
to get over that fence with my lame leg. How I would have lik- 
ed to enter that barn for rest, but I must move on or be taken 
prisoner. When I got around the barn I met Captain Howell .... 
and Lieutenant Walton of Company H, both members of my 
regiment. Howell took me by the left arm and Walton by the 
right, which was a great improvement, and I felt very much 
pleased with my escort, but it did not last long. The captain 
stated how he was wounded, and presently the lieutenant fell 
from a wound and came near dragging me with him. Walton 
was a large man, weighing about two hundred and forty pounds. 
Barnes and Beidelman tried to lift Walton into a window, and 
being very heavy they could not lift him. They pressed two 
big privates into the service, and I kept on as the enemy was 
only about fifty yards behind us. After this I met Feldy. A 
piece of a shell had struck his knee-cap and he was quite lame. . . . 
after getting into the town I saw a young lady with a pail of 
water, and as I was very thirsty I stopped to take a drink. While 
I was in the act of drinking I looked toward the back end of the 
house and at the back porch I saw Captain Meyers of our regi- 
ment. He was seated on a chair, his head hanging on his chest 
and his hands by his side. We both concluded he could not live 
long. The lady invited me into the house, but I thanked her and 
told her that the enemy was not far behind and that I did not 
wish to be captured. This was the last time I saw the captain. 
Some years ago I saw an article in the National Tribune, written 
by Captain Meyers of Kansas, and that was the first that I knew 
he was still alive and that he had been shot through the lungs. 
I retreated until I got to York Street. Here I came up to and 



2l6 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

through our Hue of battle, which must be a mile and a half from 
our first line of battle. I found General Gilsa just in the rear 
of the line, and as the men came into the line, those who were 
not wounded were ordered to rally on their colors, and I was 
ordered into the hospital. About this time I here saw the 
actions of a man which I could not understand. He had his gun 
on his shoulder, the line of battle could not stop him ; the pro- 
vost marshal could not stop him ; I saw a cavalryman strike at 
him with his sabre which barely missed his head, being warded 
off by the gun barrel on which the blow struck fire. But this 
thing in the shape of a man did not wink or dodge, but marched 
through the guard as if there was nothing in his line of retreat ; 
and for all I know he is still retreating. Instead of going to the 
hospital. . . .1 sat down on a stone mounting block by the curb. 
I was too tired to think of any danger, for I felt confident that 
this was the end of the retreat for the present. I saw a brigade 
of infantry and a battery of artillery were coming up the street 
and going into action not eight rods from where I was seated . . 
An amusing sight was to see the batteries cross the stone wall. 
The fence had been thrown down, leaving it about two feet 
high, and these batteries came over the fence on a dead run. 
There was fun to see the cannoneers bounce. They unlimbered 
in short order, and were warming the Rebs in great shape. . . .1 
thought it was no more than right and proper that they should 
be encouraged a little. . . .1 made noise enough to attract the at- 
tention of General von Gilsa, who told me to get back to a hos- 
pital, for if I did not they would kill me where I was.... I 
saw a red flag on a church on the southeast corner of the town 
.... I found the house full. I saw a sight which I will never 
forget. I should call it a slaughter-house. There must have been 
ten or twelve amputation tables in this room.... they were all 
busy.... the doctors had their sleeves rolled up to their shoul- 
ders and were covered with blood. I saw all I wanted to of this 
part, and I climbed the stairs to the floor above. I found an 
empty pew. . . .an old doctor came through the church and told 
us that all who could travel should get out of the church.... 
that our line was breaking again. . . .1 saw there was no chance 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 2iy 

for a cripple to get out of the church, so I went hack to my pew 
and waited for service to commence. The first thing I did was 

to destroy my cartridges a guard came through and relieved 

me of my gun. 

On investigating the position of the Union line of battle I saw 
they were in possession of a stone wall or fence running from 
Cemetery Ridge to Culp's Hill. This line they held till the end 

of the battle It was after 4 o'clock p. m. and as I had but a 

light breakfast and no dinner, I thought I would have something 
to eat. When I opened my haversack I encountered a terrible 
stench. On further investigation I found that the ration of fresh 
beef which we had drawn the night before and cooked, I had 
forgotten to salt and it had spoiled. I asked a fellow to throw 
it out of the window. I could not eat the hard-tack for they 
were flavored by the meat. So I divided them between the boys 
who had arms and legs off. I think I would have eaten those 
hard-tack myself before I got out of that place, for I saw nothing 
to eat until the morning of the 4th, which made it just three 
days on an empty stomach. All we had for those days was 
tea made from leaves my partner got off some mint growing on 
the graves back of the church. It was nearer a grave-yard tea. 
Feldy was very uneasy about Chunky. They were brothers. I 
told him where I had seen him last, and he was all right. Rut 
Feldy was not satisfied, and the next morning he went back to 
where I had seen him last. He found him wounded, as T had 
described before. There were but three of my Company in the 
church— Sergeant John Seiple, Feldy and myself. Seiple was 
wounded through the wrist and very nearly through the thigh. 

His wrist was shattered and his courage low Seiple was a 

good soldier, and during the first day's fight and retreat did all 
any man could do to keep the company in order and retreat in 
order, until he was wounded. I left Seiple in the church after 
the battle and learned that he died three or four days after T 
left, with lockjaw. (The writer saw him die in the nth Corps 
hospital). 

The man in the pew just back of me was shot in the foot 



2l8 HISTORY OF THE 15313 RF.GT. 

he turned out to be an old acquaintance of mine. . . .about four 
years before this meeting we had worked together on a farm. 
I le belonged to the 72d or 74th l'a., and the man in the pew in 
front of me had a Mesh wound in the hip. lie belonged to the 
134th N. Y. This man's whole conversation was about home. 
If he were only at home. I got very tired, of his talk and told him 
they were getting along at home without him. I tried every way 
I could to draw his mind from home, but he was the worst home- 
sick man I ever saw. I think it was on the second day he got sort 
of childish, lie wanted me to hold his hands, and I gave him 
some short answer. He turned around and laid his arm on the 
rail of the pew in front of him as if he were going to sleep. I 
thought he had gone to sleep, having been quiet for half an 
hour, when a doctor came through the aisle and asked us if 
there was anything he could do for us. I told him to look at 
the New York man, for he had not said anything for half an 
hour, and that 1 thought he was dead. The doctor looked at him 

and found him dead and stiff I looked out of the window. 

The Rebel line of battle had settled down not over a rod from 
the church, and old glory was waving over the stone wall, but 
between the lines the sharpshooters were banging away until 
night put a stop to the fighting. . . .The night in a hospital after 
a battle I will not attempt to describe. .. .1 heard cheering in 
the Union lines in the night, and by it knew that reinforce- 
ments had come up. . . .so the night wore away until just about, 
daylight, when the cannon opened up and left us know that they 
were still with us. 

The morning of the 2d of July, I got down stairs to see what 
was going on. Here I met a Johnnie on guard. He belonged to a 
North Carolina regiment and as he seemed to be a nice kind of a 
Reb I struck up a conversation with him. I asked what the 
cheering meant in the Union lines. I had an opinion of my 
own, but T wanted his. He told me that it was reported that 
General McClellan was in command of the Army of the Potomac, 
and if such was the case that the Rebel army had better pull out 
and leave, that Mack would surely lick them. I !e said there was 



NARRATIVES 0E THE COMRADES -' l<; 

no use fighting the North, for he had never seen such a rich 
country as Pennsylvania, and that our towns were yel full of 
men, in fact a fellow would not miss those thai were in the 
army. I told him that we could light the South for the next 

twenty years, and still have lots of nun at home to do the 
fanning. I was giving him a bluff. 1 told him that he had 
better slay north when the Rebel army retreated south, which 
they would in ;i day or two. Th.it our people would not kill 
him and that he should stay north till the war was over. Me 
told me that the old Hag was good enough for him, thai he lived 
in a rented house, and never owned a negro, that he would lake 
my advice and stay north hut for one thing. Me had a wife and 
two children. .. .and if he did stay north, and the Rebels found 
it out they would use his family meaner than dn^s 

•Alter this conversation.... I went hack upstairs. My pew 

was so situated as to come between two windows. The brick 

wall protected me from stray hullets that occasionally came 
through the windows. I had a grand view of the greater part 
of the battlefield....] could see both sides pitted against each 
other, hut the main lighting during the day was out by the I 'each 
Orchard, Wheal Field and Devil's Den and Round Top. ( )f 
course I was too far from these places to see much of it, hut .it 
the same time the lighting was coming nearer to where I was, 
;iikI a little before sundown I saw a stir and a moving aboul of 
the Rebs under the window where I was sitting, ;is if they were 
getting ready for some kind of a move. I also saw them drink- 
ing out of a barrel. The head of the barrel was knocked in. 
One would get a tin cup full and three or four would drink- 
out of the same cup before it was empty. It could not have been 
water, for a tin of water would not have so many drinks in it. 
It was straight whiskey and they were getting ready to charge 
the Eleventh Corps. It was between sundown and dark when 
they started in three lines of battle. Between the Kehel and 

Union positions was a ridge about six or eight feet high. The 
Johnnies started stooped over, scattered like a drove of sheep, 
till they got to this ridge. Then every man took his place, and 



220 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF,GT. 

giving the Rebel yell, by this time our grape and canister 
began to plow gaps through their ranks. They closed up like 
water, and advanced on a double-quick. This was a very in- 
teresting sight to me, for I was sitting back and looking on ... . 
no one can see much of a fight while he is in it. To see grape 
and canister cut gaps through ranks looks rough. I could see 
heads, arms, and legs flying amid the dust and smoke. . . .it re- 
minded me much of a wagon load of pumpkins drawn up a hill and 
the end gate coming out, and the pumpkins rolling and bounding 
down the hill. The only fault I found with this charge was that 
it got dark too soon, and I could not see the end of it. 

This charge was made by Early's division of Ewell's Corps, and 
was led by the famous Louisiana Tigers. The moment they 
emerged to view Stevens to the right opened with all his guns 
and Wiedrick and Ricketts joined in the chorus. The slaughter 
was terrible. It got dark, still the fight was on.* I watched 
the batteries on Cemetery Hill shelling the woods on the right 
of Culp's Hill till way into the night. I slept awhile and some- 
where about 11 o'clock yelling around the church woke me. I 
did not know whether our men held their position or not, but was 
anxious to know the result. But as I could get no information 
and the cannonading stopped I went to sleep again. I woke up 
before daylight. The cannonading commenced about three 
o'clock. I was longing for daylight and trying to see if our line 
was still at the stone wall. As soon as I could see I saw long 
lines of Rebel infantry moving around Culp's Hill on the Union 
right. There the battle opened just at the break of day. This 

* While at the State Encampment of the G. A. R., at Gettysburg, June, 
1909, the writer met several citizens who gave him very valuable infor- 
mation respecting the attack of the Louisiana Tigers on Cemetery Hill on 
the evening of July 2, 1863. Mr. Amos U. Miller. No. 218 West 
Middle Street, Gettysburg, at whose old-fashioned home many of the 
comrades lodged during the encampment, accompanied the writer to the 
said church, where, by the courtesy of R. M. Elliot, the janitor, we were 
taken to the identical window from which our informant, Mr. Ruch, 
watched the assault on that memorable evening of the battle. The place 
was pointed out where the Rebel troops formed in the low ground near 
the old prison. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 221 

was an infantry fight, and one continual rattle of musketry, and 
continued till nearly noon. But as soon as it was light enough 
to see our line I saw old glory still on the stone wall. I went 
downstairs to interview the guard, but this fellow was not as 
pleasant as the North Carolinian. I said to him you are shoving 
in your infantry on our right this morning. 'Yas,' he said, 
'there was a regiment or so in thare.' He was mad at the 
Eleventh Corps. His answer was that they had killed too many 
of their men the night before. I told him that turn about was 
fair play. He wanted to know what I meant. I asked if they 
did not lick the Eleventh Corps at Chancellorsville. He answered, 
'Yes we did.' And didn't you lick two divisions of the Eleventh 
Corps day before yesterday? I told him the Eleventh Corps 
owed them another licking to get even with them. He thought 
I was about right 

I retired upstairs and watched the Rebel sharp-shooters. I saw 
one get on the roof of a two-story house. He was firing over the 
chimney, and I thought it a bad position. If he were to get hit 
and stunned the fall would kill him. He had fired four rounds 
and was getting ready for another, and in the act of looking over 
the chimney was hit and fell off the gable end. After the battle 
I looked up the fellow to see where he was hit, and found that a 
ball had pierced his forehead. .. .After the infantry fighting on 
the right things were very quiet until about 2 o'clock, when a sul- 
phuric tornado of shells broke loose. The Rebels opened the 
ball with a hundred and fifty cannon and the Unions replied 
with nearly one hundred. The brick church was rocking and 
the windows rattling as though there was an earthquake. This 
lasted one hour and three quarters. I saw lots of men turn 
pale. In a joking way I asked Sergeant Seiple to go out and 
stop the noise. But the fun was all out of him, and he answered 
me very solemnly that we had better leave them alone. .. .The 
church was not a very safe place, for we did not know what 
minute some of these shells would come down through the roof 
. . . .but when the end came another grand view came. This was 
Picketts' charge. . . .1 had a good view of this. . . .This was the 



222 HISTORY OF THE I53D R£GT. 

end of the heavy fighting at Gettysburg. It was not long after 
this till we received a call from a Rebel doctor and Major re- 
questing all those who could walk to get out and start for Rich- 
mond.... the old doctor pronounced me unable to travel, and 
they made out a parole for me .... The Rebel army left us during 
the night .... I was not sorry when they were gone. The citi- 
zens of the town paid us a visit and brought with them baskets 
of bread, ham, and apple butter. After breakfast we got orders 
for all who could to leave the town. . . .Before I left Dr. Stout 
filled my pockets with bandages, lint, and sticking plaster. He 
told me I would find lots of the boys who had not yet seen a 
doctor, and that I could dress a wound as well as anybody, and 
to keep plenty of water on the wounds. I came to Gettysburg a 
mere private, and when I left I was a sort of full-fledged doctor. 
I had two ramrods for canes, and my face had not been washed 
for four days, my pants were ripped for two feet on the outside 
seam.... so I started out with professional dignity. I struck 
Baltimore Street and started for Cemetery Hill. To get to the 
hill I had to walk stooped over, as the bullets from the sharp- 
shooters were whizzing over my head. The Rebs were keeping 
up a bold front. 

I got back to where Picketts' charge had been repulsed the 
day before. The sight was horrble. The dead Rebs were hang- 
ing on the stone wall and on both sides of the fence it was full 
of dead men. On the Union side they were being carried into rows. 
They had three rows started and it reminded me of gathering 
the sheaves in a harvest field. I took a seat on a large stone 
near the wall and watched the men at their work for over an 
hour. Then started on for the rear, and must have gotten back 
about two miles from the town when I came to a barn. Of 
course the barn doors were open, and I asked a man where I 
could find the Eleventh Corps hospital. Just as I spoke I heard 
voices in the barn which was full of wounded.... the boys of 
our regiment who were there cheered for me, and said they had 
room for me. The reason why I had such a reception was that 
it had been reported that I was killed. This barn was full of 



NARRATIVES 0E THE COMRADES 223 

wounded men from one end to the other. Where there was room 
for a man you would find one. The hay mows, the feed room, 
the cow stable, the horse stable and loft. There was a work 
bench in one end of the barn with a few tools, and a comrade by 
the name of Jesse Soys, had the two middle fingers of his left 
hand cut off by a piece of a shell. He was busy making 
crutches, they^were not very handsome, but they answered the 
purpose. I was the first doctor that had come to the barn .... 
and I soon went to work dressing wounds. Sergeant Lantz was 
the first patient. We named him Dad. He had been shot 
through the thigh. Sergeant Lilly of Co. D was the next, he was 
also wounded in the thigh. Wm. Riehl was the third. He was shot 
in the shoulder, the ball was in his back. It was cut out the next 
day. Three of us sat on him while the surgeon cut out the ball. 
The ball was all battered, looking as much as if it had gone 
through a stone fence. I dressed wounds until I got out of 
bandages, and afterwards who should turn up but the chaplain, 
whose friendship I had lost by hinting for a drink of whiskey. 
He had about a bushel of hard-tack in a bag, but they did not 
amount to much in that crowd — only one apiece. Provisions be- 
gan to come in that evening, and the days following the natives 
brought in wagon-loads of bread, apple butter, and ham. To get 
something from every wagon had to be worked by a sort of sys- 
tem, and the way it was done was that two or three would escort 
the chaplain to the wagon, and the instruction to him was that 
he must tell the parties in charge of the wagon, that we in the 
barn had had nothing to eat for three days, which resulted in 
getting something out of every wagon. But the chaplain had to 
repeat this story every hour, and the consequence was we had 
plenty to eat and some left over when I left the barn. This was 
the only time in my life when I thought a preacher was any 
benefit to his fellow man. . . .One word more about the chaplain 
.... I got into the barn on Saturday, and on Sunday morning 
the chaplain started to have services on the barn floor not over 
five feet from me. He got down on his knees and was offering 
a prayer to the Deity, and he was just getting nicely started when 
some hard Christian in the cow stable yelled, 'put the preacher 



224 HISTORY OF THE I53» REGT. 

out.' I felt sorry for my friend, the Chaplain, and praying 
seemed hard under the circumstances. The yelling was kept up 
during the service and consequently the prayer was cut short and 
the hymn shorter. I never was in a meeting where I felt so much 
like laughing, hut as I was so near the preacher, out of respect 
for him, I controlled myself and kept in. 

Among my patients in the ward was a case of typhoid fever 
... .1 expected every hour to be his last. . . .and all I had to give 
him was water.... on the second day, another preacher came 
into the barn. He did not belong to the army. . . .he had a big 
jug of whiskey. . . .and a small glass, and coming up on my side 
of the floor gave each man a glass... .my patient lay on the 
opposite side from me and when it came his turn he tried hard to 
get up, but he could not. The preacher told him that he felt 
sorry for him, but in his condition he dared not give him whis- 
key. The sick man begged for a drink, and when the gentleman 
shook his head the poor fellow looked disappointed. I could not 
stand this any longer, and as my mind was made up that the 
fellow was going to die anyhow, that if he wanted a little whiskey 
in this world before going to the next one he should have it. I 
interceded for him, telling the preacher that this man was one of 
my patients, that he had typhoid fever, and that the stimulant 
was just what he needed. The man replied that if I said so he 
should have it. He handed me a glass and I raised his head and 
gave it to the patient. He drank it and lay down to sleep. The 
thought with me was that will fix him either kill or cure. Tn the 
last few days I had looked upon so many dead men, that one 
more made no difference. My patient took a long sleep, and I 
thought he would never again awake. But on that night he look- 
ed up and asked me for a drink of water. He said he felt better. 
The drink of whiskey had saved his life. On leaving the boys I 
went round to bid them good-bye and when I called on my patient 
he asked me to get his knapsack. He was then sitting up, though 
very weak. . . .He presented me with a pair of canvass leggings. 
He was a zouave, and stated, 'I give you these leggings, to re- 
member me by, for you have saved my life. . . .' 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 225 

I learned on the third morning of my stay in the barn, thai a 
train Lefl Uttletown every afternoon, ai five o'clock, for Balti 
more, and all those who could gel to Uttletown could go on to 
Baltimore and Philadelphia. I did not like to leave three of my 
comrades and they could nol walk, for ii was eighl miles to the 
station. Presently a native came along with a democrat or spring 
wagon, and one horse. I stopped him and asked him to take my 
three comrades to Uttletown. < )h my ! he did not have the time to 
-pare and could not possibly do it. I called this fellow down in 

gjeai shape. I told him he was not much of a man, thai here 
were men who had driven the enemy from their homes, and pro- 
tected their property, and thai these men had gotten wounded in 
doing so, and were unable to gel to a railroad station, and thai 
he could nol do them the small favor to haul them to the railroad 
station. He told me to lei up; thai I was right, and thai he had 

not seen things in the true light. He said he would go, bnl first 

feed his horse. I took him into the barn and mowed him whom 
to take. He asked me how I was going to gel there. I told him I 

WOUld walk, lie did not think I could make it, but I I. ,1,1 him I 
had a little over seven hours iii which to make eighl miles and I 

would try it. I started with some others, bul was soon lefl be 

hind and did noi gel to die station until 5 p. m my limb grew 

very bad from the effecl of this walk. I gol lunch in a charity 
place, for I had nol one cent to my name. < >n reaching the de- 
pot, I met a captain of a battery. He had five flesh WOUnds, and 
was bloody all over. lb- told me he had taken into battle ai 
Gettysburg a full battery of six guns, eighty horses, and eighty 
f" 1 "" men. I [e asked me how many of thee I thoughl he broughl 

OUt. I replied that bv the look-, of him I thoughl there wen- nol 

many lefl to bring out. Me told me that all he gol out was forty 
mr " and one horse. By this time the train backed in, and I found 

" to be an army Pullman train, composed of box cars of a freighl 

train, with a bundle of hay in each car. We entered and lay down 
"ii the hay. This was very comfortable. Our train slopped at 

Hanover, where the citi/ens handed in a big basket of eatables, 
with the requesl to return the basket, which we did with thanks. 

We arrived in Baltimore some lime in the night. Here we receiv 
'5 



-226 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

.-ed the very kindest treatment; the people assuring us that we 
deserved the best of the land. The invasion had helped the citi- 
zens, making them very friendly. My comrades could not walk, 
so I left them in Baltimore (it being quite a distance to go from 
one station to another) took train for Philadelphia. The night 
before Christmas I met Dad Lantz in Easton, just on his way 
from a New England hospital. Lilly I never met again. Twenty- 
five years after the war I met Riehl in Gettysburg. We shook 
hands three times, and he said, 'Rube I am poor, but it does me 
more good to see you than it would to find a ten-dollar gold 
piece.' He said then, 'I wonder if it is safe now to talk about 
our sleeping on picket?'. . . .1 boarded the train for Philadelphia 
.and arrived in the city about 9 o'clock that night. Here we got 
good meals, had wounds dressed, but instead of taking a cot as 
the rest did, I lay down on the floor. About midnight the fellows 
'Commenced getting out of their cots and complaining of back- 
ache, took positions on the floor. The beds were too soft for an 
old soldier. That night and the next morning, the train-load with 
which we came, was sent to West Philadelphia. Our men, 
twenty in number, belonging to the 153d Regiment, requested to 
be sent to Harrisburg, and our request was granted. After re- 
porting to general hospital, where we got dinner, we left for 
Harrisburg, arriving there that night about 9 o'clock. The first 
thing we looked for was Uncle Sam's boarding house, known in 
war time as the Soldiers' Retreat .... We had one corporal in our 
squad and we sent him to see about supper. He came back and 
reported that the man in charge told him that we could not have 
supper, that he was expecting a regiment of militia in that night. 
This crowd was composed of twenty men and a corporal. We 
looked ragged, bloody and dirty. Some with heads tied up, some 
with arms in slings, some with crutches and canes. In fact — we 
looked as if we had seen service, had been to the front, and 
this report was not acceptable to us. So we held a council of 
war, and its decision was that we storm the retreat. I think 
there were two or three old pistols or revolvers in the crowd, and 
none of them loaded. We had no trouble with the guard, for 
they were on our side; the guard easily passed, we got in. After 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 227 

we got in a big fellow made his appearance, told us we could 
come so far on one table and no further. One of the fellows 
showed him an old revolver and the big man got out of our way. 
We ate all we wanted, then retired to look for a place to sleep. 
We had fully decided to report that gentleman in charge of the 
Retreat to the governor. We found quarters for the night in a 
covered portion of the depot. Just at daybreak as I awoke I 
heard commands, 'Fall in.' The militia had arrived which had 

been expected the evening before As they marched off we 

could hear the officers calling, 'left, left, left.' we found 

water back of the depot, took a wash, and curled our hair, and 
soon after that a messenger arrived inviting us back to the Re- 
treat for breakfast. The old man apologized for his actions the 
night before, said he was off, took out his jug, that softened 
our hearts, and we forgave him his sins. It was a little after 
breakfast when Colonel Glanz, Captain Stout and Dr. John 
Kohler came to look for us, being very anxious about the regi- 
ment. I told the Colonel it was too hot and dry to talk much. 
He treated to the beer. The doctor had started out to look up a 
hospital for us. My captain said to the colonel, 'there is only one 
man here of my company, and I want to talk with him, and you 
can have all the rest.' The Captain and I were seated at a table. 
He went over the list of his men, inquiring after every one by 
name. I reported either killed or wounded, as there were only 
twelve left of the company after the battle. As I reported the 
tears rolled down his cheeks the doctor returned with ar- 
rangements, and we were placed in a hospital on Mulberry Street 
... .If I remember right the regiment arrived in Harrisburg on 
the 17th. The citizens of the town treated us to everything to 
make us comfortable. 

The day came to return home. Our first stop was at Reading. 
Here we were met by a committee from Easton, and they pre- 
sented each man of the regiment with a badge of honor contain- 
ing the corps mark, the battles we had been in and the following 
poem : 



^\3.D©iy© 




Northampton Welcomes Her Brave Sons 







V 

. t ^ 

Co Co 

CD 



«• Vol. 



"We bail the hero's safe return, 
To home and friends again ; 
\ nil mourn with tears of sympathy 
The gallant patriots slain." 




NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 220 

"We hail the hero's safe return, 

To home and friends again ; 
And mourn with (cars of sympathy 

The gallanl patriots slain." 

The boys were in fine spirits. The Colors and our Brass Band 
were on the roof of the car. ( )ur next stop was Allentown [unc- 
tion, i had informed Captain Stoul thai I lived six miles up the 
valley from the Junction, thai I could not walk it, and thai I had 
no money. He started through the car to see if he could find 
twenty cents for my fare. Me returned with the twenty cents 

all in pennies. I told him from the looks of the change he must 
have gol all there was. lie said he would not undertake lo gel 

twenty cents more out of that crowd. I and some more gOl off ;it 

the Junction, and by the lime I got up to the Allentown station 
there wen- aboul twenty to go up the Lehigh Valley Railroad. 

They all expected to walk hut myself; for there was hut twenty 
cents in thai crowd, and I had it. But we were fortunate. An 
old man, I think his name was Lauhach, learned of our misfor 

tune and bought tickets for all of us. I had been traveling two 

months without any money in my pocket, and I did not feel safe 

with twenty cents in the crowd \ was in ( )ur train came along 

and we were soon at our destination. A coal train was passing 
at the time we arrived, and being between other cars and the 
station and the passenger train having to wait, T jm>) out on the 
platform of the car, and on the platform of the depol Stood my 
mother, sister and two brothers. They were expecting an uncle 
of mine from New York city. They did not know me. The con 
ductor was helping me off the train, and in alighting my hack u.i 
turned to them, and my name was on my knapsack,— 1 hat was 
enough. T cannot describe how glad they were to see me. They 
never said ;i word about my running away, and going to th<- 
army. It was the same with Captain I lowell (To he con- 
tinued)." 



23O HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Captain Howard James Reeder, Co. G.* 

This precocious, youthful officer was of fine presence, and 
possessed of excellent military traits. His accomplishments were 
of a high order, having been reared in a family of learning and 
refinement — one of the most distinguished homes of our native 
city. He had been commissioned a lieutenant of Company A, 
1st Regiment, of the United States Infantry, on October, 1861, 
being then but 18 years of age. On the organization of the 153d 
in September, 1862, he was commissioned its adjutant, and on the 
29th of January, 1863, was promoted to captain of Company G. 
In both official relations he was a favorite with the regiment, 
and served with great ardor and efficiency. His memory is 
highly cherished by the regiment. He was wounded at the battle 
of New Madrid, Mo., March 13, 1862. At the close of the war 
he rose to positions of honor and trust. He was delegate to the 
Republican National Conventions of 1872, 1876, 1880; Judge of 
Court of Common Pleas, Third Judicial District of Pennsyl- 
vania, 1881-1882 and 1884-1894; Judge of Superior Court of 
Pennsylvania 1895 to date of his death, December 22, 1898. 



Reminiscence of Lieutenant Jonathan Moore, Co. G. 

"First I think of the home-leaving; the sad thoughts of separat- 
ing from dear ones and the quietude and comforts of home, to 
engage in the turmoil of war — for which I had no taste whatever. 
Why did I with others, decide to enlist and join the 153d regi- 
ment? It was in response to the call of my country in her 
great struggle. That call was stronger than the ties which bind 
us to our loved ones. We spent a few days in Easton, our county 
seat, where we received our first military training. We were 
then moved on to Harrisburg and quartered in Camp Curtin. 
One of my most distinct recollections is that I was glad to get 
away from the place, though it meant going to scenes of active 
service. The sudden transition from home life to the camp life 

*Joseph Reimer resigned Jan. 28, 1863, and Adjutant Reeder was 
appointed Captain. 



NARRATIVES 0E Till', COMRADES 231 

had a deleterious effecl upon my health ; i o thai I fell thai it was 
very important thai I gel away. When we readied Baltimore my 
health was much changed for the better. It was nol long until 
I could relish the soldiers' diet; even a piece of bacon scorched 

over a hasty lire on the march. The hoys had concluded thai 

Comrade Moore had gotten about as near the fronl a he would 
ever get. My reply to them was, 'Boys, if you keep up with me 
from now on you will do well,' and my prediction proved quite 
correct. 

By the time our regimenl passed Washington and reached 
camp on Virginia soil the devastation of war had become real, 

and some of the hoy-, began to realize llial entering the army was 
not going on a picnic. They began to learn that privations were 
a part of a soldier's life; and to think of the good things they 
had left on leaving home. The cloudy water of this place did 

nol compare with the limpid streams of old Mt. Bethel's hill 
sides, and the pure water which bubbles up from the ba e of th< 

Blue mountain in si.^Iit of their home. They missed the cakes 
and pies of their mother's table. One of the boys was heard to 
say, 'Oh! If I only COUld gel home to gel a drink out of our old 

spring!' Bui they were told to he courageous, for we had en- 
listed in a cause o good we could afford lo undergo self-denial. 
These Blue Mountain boys were ns worthy in soldierly qualities 
as the 'Green Mountain boys' of Revolutionary fame. Prom 

clo e and constant relations with these men of my company dur- 
ing the ten months we were together I can say they were men 
that could he relied upon for the doing of faithful duties when- 
ever called upon. When oiu- regimenl reached Alexandria we 
were shown the building in which the young and gallant Colonel 
Ellsworth was shot while descending the stairs from the roof 
where lie had replaced the national flag which had been pulled 
down. The contemplation of the circumstances connected with 
that event tended to stimulate patriotism in the l>oys and em 
bolden them to hasten on to the front. We reached the front 

111 due time, and from there they had active and arduous duties. 

They were conspicuous in the two battle'-- Chancellorsville and 



2^2 HISTORY OS THE [53D REGT. 

Gettysburg, and in both these great conflicts they were entitled to 
great credit for their soldierly conduct. 

After the winter of '02 and '63, the spring gave indications of 
active service all along our lines. The entire army of the Poto- 
mac then lying on the north bank of the Rappahannock river was 
then ordered to be in readiness for an aggressive movement, and 
on the morning of the 27th of April, 1863, the advance began. 
The army moved in three columns, crossing in different places. 
General Hooker's plans for getting his army across the river 
were well made and successfully accomplished. Having his forces 
now just where he wanted them, and the positions and other 
conditions so satisfactory, he was greatly elated and his address 
to the men was the occasion of great enthusiasm all along the line. 
How successful his plans were, remained to be told. At this time it 
was confidently expected that by the movements then going on 
all railway communications between General Lee and his base of 
supplies would be severed. The Army of the Potomac was now 
supposed to be in such a position that there was nothing to pre- 
vent it moving successfully on the enemy. The bands played, 
the men shouted and threw their hats in the air and we were 
just then the boys who would have the honor of accomplisbing 
what had long been the motto: — '( >n to Richmond.' But I took< r 
had evidently overlooked the fact that he had Stonewall Jackson 
to deal with. 

Leaving others to deal with this question, I will pass on to re- 
late some items connected with our recent visit to those grounds, 
which was made June 11, 1894. Arrived at Chancellorsville, 
alighting from the carriage at a farm house, we entered the yards 
and were immediately interested in the surroundings. In the 
rear we readily recognized the open held where at the time of 
the battle in the shades of night, before and after the midnight 
hour, we were in a bedlamitish scene striving to gather together 
the fragments of a scattered regiment of a broken corps which 
had been driven by the surprise of an unexpected and sudden 
massing of Jackson's troops on our w r eak and unprotected lines. 
In viewing the ground over which we had fought, we came 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 2$$ 

to the monument of Stonewall Jackson. Nearby was a large 
stone which marked the spot where he fell. I lere I was deep- 
ly interested, as all through those years since the event, I have 
been impressed with the belief that 1 was near the spot ;ii the 
time when he fell, and now being more fully able to trace the spot, 
the Impression is confirmed. ( me of the inscriptions on the 
monument is as follows: "Last words of Stonewall Jackson, 
Lieut. General C. S. A. 'Let US pass over the river and rest under 
the shade of the trees.' " 

Our next search was for the location where the attack was first 
made on our line, and the effort to find the place cost no little 
trouble. Nothing seemingly had been done since the war to Im- 
prove the land here and in the surrounding country. The fields 
are more grown with bushes and the woods are more dense. We 
called at several little farm houses to make inquiry for the exact 
spot. At length we came to an old farm house where the inmates 
knew something which was of great interest to us. Here was 
the headquarters of one of our division generals (Devens). The 
inmates treated us with the kindest regards, knowing as we 
told them we were Union soldiers. Here the kind lady opened 
the cellar door and invited us down to see the place where' 
during the battle she, and twenty-four other women and chil- 
dren, were huddled together for protection, all the able-bodied 
men being out in the field of contest. From the information re- 
ceived here we soon found our old brush defense, and the 
critical spot where the 153d was posted. Will the men of our 
regiment ever forget that balmy Saturday afternoon; will they 
ever forget the blast of the enemy's bugles calling their forces 
to advance; the horde of Grays coming down upon us like an 
avalanche; when the enemy was pouring volleys into our ranks, 
and the dense smoke which rose in our front and on our Hanks, 
and when we were unable to discover our relations to the 
enemy in the low ground they occupied ; when suddenly turning 
to look up to higher ground, we saw one of our officers directing 
us to bring the men out at once from the place where if we had 
remained a few moments more, all would have been taken prison- 



234 HISTORY OF Tllli 153D R£GT. 

ers? That memorable occasion will never be forgotten while 
we live. 

The question in which all are interested is how did our men 
behave in that critical situation ? For some time the regiment 
was under a cloud of censure. The members, when asked what 
part of the army they belonged to, were invariably answered, 'O, 
you were the fellows who run so well.' But we were never 
much disturbed by such slurs. .. .having the conscious satisfac- 
tion that our men did all that any body of men could have done 
under like circumstances, and never took any pains to defend 
ourselves. We simply let truth vindicate itself as it always does. 
Let any one who is in doubt read our Brigadier General Gilsa's 
address. Our last day at the battle of Chancellorsville was to 
us one of great suspense. On our arrival on the field, as pre- 
viously stated, we were flushed with the prospect of success. 
Later conditions had changed the spirit of our troops. There 
were indications that we were not holding our own, notwith- 
standing efforts to make the impression that we were. When 
the night came on (and a chilly night it was) and we were 
placed in line to be in readiness to move at a moment's signal, 
we received strict orders that no man should speak a word ; 
none knowing whether to expect an attack or a retreat, 
the suspense constantly increased. This condition of things con- 
tinued until morning. Though 46 years have passed away since 
that memorable night, there is not a surviving comrade who 
was in that line that night, who has not very distinct recollec- 
tions of it. We well remember how eagerly we watched the 
head of the column when it moved to see what direction it was 
taking. We soon found we were going toward the Rappahan- 
nock. Our surprise was over. We were now hastily falling 
back to cross the river, which was then rapidly rising, and threat- 
ening to impede our crossing. We were glad of our escape, 
but our mortification was greater than our joy. To realize that 
our Chancellorsville campaign had been a disaster instead of a 
victory. Though those years have gone by, we well remember 
many of the incidents which occurred on the way back to Brooks 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 235 

Station. How well we recollect the wallowing through the Vir- 
ginia mud, and seeing some of our comrades from weariness fall 
helpless in the mire. The sight was truly pathetic ; words cannot 
describe the feelings of sympathy we had for our exhausted men. 

Our stay at the old camp was brief, but a few weeks, and was 
taken up with drilling and preparation for further exercise, and 
engagement with the enemy. Soon we got upon the march. 
Lee's army was on one side of the Blue Mountain and we on 
the other ; neither knowing where the converging point would be. 
We knew we were going northward, and that meant homeward. 
We traveled in the direction of home for weeks, but well knew 
that we would again meet the enemy before meeting our friends. 
The whole enlightened world knows to-day where that meeting 
was — it was Gettysburg, the most memorable battlefield in the 
annals of American history. No true Union soldier who was a 
participant on that occasion, and who did his duty, will need 
blush to have it known that he was there. 

And now as to how the regiment to which we belonged ac- 
quitted itself in the two great battles, Chancellorsville and Gettys- 
burg, the writer will simply refer the reader to General von 
Gilsa's words in his farewell address to the regiment on the 14th 
day of July, 1863, when the command was returned to be mus- 
tered out. 

It will be remembered that the 153d Regiment was in the First 
Division of the Eleventh Corps, and on the day we reached the 
battlefield of Gettysburg was marching left in front. Thus 
bringing our regiment the first in the engagement, General 
Barlow, commanding the division, was ordered to join imme- 
diately on the right of Reynolds' Corps, whose forces were 
holding the enemy in check as our division advanced. Before 
this junction could be formed, General Early, in command of 
one of Ewell's divisions, coming up hastily from York, inter- 
cepted and prevented the junction. The enemy's force being so 
much greater than ours, and the situation such that we were being 
flanked, the command was given to fall back to a more favorable 
position. In the short conflict that day with an army greatly 



236 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

outnumbering our force, our division lost heavily. The writer 
recollects when he was looking as we stood on an eminence, close 
to where the monument of the regiment now stands, watching the 
enemy emerge from the woods, and send a volley into our thin 
ranks, our regiment forming little more than a good skirmish 
line. Here one of Company G's favorite men fell close by my 
side, also several others of the company were killed on the 
right and left. One of the men received a bullet in one leg and 
limping the best he could to keep up with the command, he 
called for help and I assisted him to a place of more security. 
This comrade still survives, and at one of our reunions of the 
regiment exhibited the bullet, which he had carried in Lis limb 
for seventeen years, before its removal. 

Like all good soldiers I and my company encountered some 
fierce domestic contests along the way on the march. The story 
of the onion patch has gone the rounds with the boys ; the 
gravel-and-dirt-throwing-female in the protection of her gar- 
den ; the interesting episode of the boys and the geese and 
chickens ; meeting the Rebel private with arm in sling who said 
he remembered our Corps badge, and that he had met us in 
the Chancellorsville fight, all make interesting reminiscence. 
Soon after the army crossed the Potomac and entered the well- 
tilled and productive parts of Maryland, we began to enjoy 
scenery which was homelike. The fields were beautified by the 
meadows and ripening grain. The cherry trees, of which there 
were many along our road, were loaded with their glistening 
fruit, and every object was in great contrast with the barren 
country we had passed through in Virginia. The story of the 
boys in blue, who alighted upon the cherry trees like flocks of 
birds, and the sudden disappearance of the luscious fruit, needs 
no repeating here. 

A few days more brought us to the battlefield of Gettysburg. 

And now surviving comrades, it is forty-five years since we re- 
ceived our honorable discharge from the great army of the 
Rebellion. The discharge paper we hold as a great and valued 
relic. Let us not forget we are still engaged in a great fight 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 2$J 

against all existing evils. While we are in the world let us be 
valiant as in the former contest until the end which will soon 
come to us all, and then receive our final discharge and receive 
the great reward according to the promise, 'Well done, good 
and faithful servant.' " 

(Comrade Lieutenant Moore submitted the above narrative 
just a few months before his death. No man gave the historian 
more encouragement. — Ed.) 

Since Comrade Jonathan Moore had written the interesting 
narrative and had sent it to the historian as a record of the regi- 
ment, he has passed away. The following obituary notice ap- 
peared in the Portland (Pa.) Enterprise, from which the writer 
has taken extracts: "Entered into rest, Mr. Jonathan Moore, 
Thursday, February 18, 1909, at his residence in Mount Bethel. 
.... lie was one of the most noble and best men who ever lived 
in Northampton county. . . .was born on the 27th of April, 1825, 
in Orange County, N. Y. He was a teacher of the public schools 
of the county. .. .conducted the Williamsburg Academy for 12 
years. . . .had a wide reputation for scholarship and tact in teach- 
ing, impressing as well his noble character upon his many pupils. 

His war record appears as above indicated. At the close of the 
war Mr. Moore entered business and was for many years the 
agent of the D. L. & W. Railroad at Portland. Pie was also for 
many years a director of the First National Bank of Bangor. He 
was chaplain in the Grand Army Post of Portland for many 
years. 

His funeral services were held in the Mount Iicthel Presby- 
terian Church, with which he was honorably and usefully identi- 
fied for many years." 



238 HISTORY OF THE 153D KKGT. 

Interesting Items by Rev. Stryker A. Wallace, Co. G. 

"1 was enrolled :.t Hasten, I 'a., in the summer of 1862, and 
mustered into the service of the United States at Harrisburg 
with the regiment, and mustered out at 1 larrishurg July 24, 1863. 

Speaking of Chancellorsville, I carried Dr. Nell's instrument 
case in and out of battle, — carried it out more rapidly than 1 
carried it in. 1 did it successfully, however, by making good use 
of my legs. When the Johnnies came rushing in on our flank, 
there was no time to he lost. 1 took Reuben Hess from the 
held to the operating table, when the surgeon declared that 
amputation was necessary. I witnessed the operation and took a 
piece of the bone which was badly fractured and showed it to 
Mr. Hess, and it satisfied him that operation was necessary. 1 
was a convoy to Major Freuhauff, who was wounded, and 
brought him across the Rappahannock river when we retreated 
from the field. We crossed under the cover of darkness. The 
camp fires of the enemy were burning all around us. We ar- 
rived at the hospital early in the morning, but found every- 
thing full. The major suggested that we lie down on the ground. 
No sooner had we touched the ground than we fell asleep, worn 
out. About 7 or 8 o'clock I felt the point of the major's elbow 
in my side, when he said, 'Look here.' I looked and the army 
was passing by, banners flying and the troops in full retreal 
for Falmouth and the old camp grounds. After we had crossed 
on a pontoon, there was a high hill up which we climbed, and 
looking back we had a view of most of the arm)- ; a grand sight it 
was. It was approaching in three columns, each headed for 
one of the three pontoon bridges. The serpentine movements of 
the troops with their flying Hags was a beautiful sight 

There were many incidents of the camp and march, some 
amusing and some historical. Upon the resignation of Captain 
Joseph Reimer, of Company G, Adjutant Howard J. Reeder 
became captain of our company. I regret two things, first that 
so many of the commanders are gone from us, and second that I 
cannot meet and see those who remain. 1 would like very much 
to be with you at your reunion. I thank you for the imitation. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 239 

I shall be glad to hear from you again. I am cordially and 
truly yours." 

The above letter was addressed to the Secretary, X. 11. Mack, 
Subsequently the writer received the following from Comrade 
Wallace : 

Dear Mr. Kiefer: "So busy have 1 been that I have just 
reached your letter and am so pressed now that I cannot give to 
it the attention I would like. I think the regiment returned to a 
position on Cemetery J I i 11 after the first day'- fight in which we 
were defeated. General Howard took up position on Cemetery 
Ridge, and the part of the line which fell to our regiment was OH 
Cemetery Hill, and behind the stone wall to shield the men from 
the sharp-shooters stationed in and on the buildings in the town 
of Gettysburg. The battery (of which you speak) was planted 
on the rising ground just back of our regiment. We lay in 
front of the battery. 

Our men made good account of themselves in repulsing the 
Louisiana Tigers, who were immediately in front of our regi- 
ment. It was against them we were pitted. Our regiment was 
to the right of the well, and of the Cemetery Gate, of which you 
speak. Of all the men most capable, that I know of, to tell you 
about these matters is Lieutenant Jonathan Moore. I will write 
you about Comrade Hess later. I w i 1 1 be glad to help you all 
I can." 




240 II ISTi IRV OP in K [53D REGT. 

The Story of Wm. Armstrong— By Rev. Stryker A. Wallace, Co. G. 

"Things were quiel at Gettysburg after the contending lines 
were well formed, succeeding the fighting of the first day. The 
[53d Regimenl of Penna. \ < flunteers was lying behind a stone wall 
on Cemetery Mill for protection from the sharp-shooters in the 
buildings in the town. In the meantime a Rebel headquarters 
,\.i established in .1 field in full view beyond and opposite our 
lines. < >ne "i our batteries was stationed on the brow <>i the liill 
just hark of us. A staff, or, general officer, came riding along 
ami saul to the captain of the battery, 'Captain, can'1 you give 
them a shot?' The captain following the suggestion, sighted a 
piece ami tin' firsl shot went in the door "i the Rebel headquar- 
ters. A Rebel battery responded and a duel succeeded between 
the 1 wo batteries. 

Wm. Armstrong, (commonly called Bill) a large, sturdy man, 

accustomed tO work mi the railroad, from which and his [rish 

ancestry, he had a powerful frame, stood up againsl the wall 
leaning on his elbow watching the contest between (lie batteries, 
\ shell from the Rebel gun exploded over his head and a piece 
of the shell aboul as large as die two fronl fingers, struck him 
ovei the left eye, scooping out a hole in his forehead aboul an 
inch ami a half deep. Two of our men were ordered t<> carry 
him to the rear; which they were doing when a general riding 

by said to the men, 'don't VOU See that the man is dead?" They 

laid him down. In the meantime the battle was raging all along 
the line, the engagemenl having been brought on by the duel 
bel ween the batteries. 

\\ m. Armstrong lay for two days on the field, and was picked 
up the third day by the ambulance corps, and taken to the 
Eleventh Corps Hospital to the barn used for the hospital, 
hut after being looked over by the surgeons, was ordered carried 

OUt, as it was thought there was little or no hope for him. The 
writer found him at the corner of the barn, with a big flat 

-tone for a pillow, his overcoat having been folded and placed 

tinder his head. A blanket was tlirown over him. But in the 

meantime he had lost his coal out from under his head, and his 



NARRATIVES OE THE COMRADES 2 | I 

blankel had slipped from him. Blood was running from the 

wound and from his eyes and nose. I lis lips were so swollen 

he could nol speak. He was conscious, recognizing my voice, 

and l>y prying open his mouth with a spoon I fed him some 

soup. The fust food he had taken nice he entered the battle 
four days before. 

I went to the chief surgeon, told him of this man, thai it had 

been supposed lie would die, hut that he had not died, ami that, 
he OUghl to have medical attention, lie went out with me and 
looked at him and aid, 'that is a very interesting case; he i S a 
bik r , Strong fellow, he can pull through/ or word . to that effect, 
lie sent an as-istant surgeon to dress his wound. While the 

poor fellow had keen lying there, without food, drink or shelter, 

it had rained, and the cavity in his head was half full of water 
Dr. Neff afterwards said, that probably the rain had saved his 
life, as it kept down inllanimation. I asked the Chief Surgeon 
what I should do with the man. lie replied, 'I'ut him wherever 
you can.' That meant a great deal or it meant nothing, as every 
place was full. I got a stretcher and another soldier, and seeing 

a large tenl going up aboul one hundred yards away, I remarked 

to my comrade, that I suppose is a regimental tent, hut the 
SUrgeOIl says we shall put him wherever we can. We will 
take him righl in and lay him down. lie i too badly hurt for 
theui to throw him out. If they protest we will tell our Orders. 
And SO we did, there being a sort of protest, hut the condition 

of the patient and the order of the surgeon prevailed. In tin 

way poor Bill Armstrong found a temporary resting place, and 
needed attention, till he could he removed to the general hospital. 

IN- was restored tO his family with a hole in his head and the 
loss of an eye, hut otherwise as hale and heart y <'e ever. When f 

afterwards saw him in Pennsylvania he suddenly grabbed mo 
and drew me to hi, bosom and lifted me clear off my feet for 
joy. lie recognized that I had probably saved his lif<-, and was 

grateful for the service to him." 



s<, 



2 [2 



ii [STORY OS in K [53D REGT. 



Comrade Hess, Company G, By S. A. Wallace. 

"Comrade I less was struck by a minie ball above the knee. 
The ball went straighl through, carrying the 1 >< >nc- away with 
it, or splitting the bone as ii crashed through it. He was lying 
in a little tenl opposite and apparently unconcerned, and withoul 

pain. When I found liim I said, 'Well, \<>n must go to the 
hospital, tO the Operating table, to have your wound examined 

We had hoped the ball had gone around the hone, but it looked 

had. The holes were opposite each other. Me was afraid to go 

to the- table for Tear the surgeon would take off his leg, perhaps 
unnecessarily, so he wanted me to speak to the surgeon about it. 
I cheerfully assented to do so. The doctor gave me the most 

hearty assurance that he would do no wrong to the patient. Alter 
placing the man under chloroform he ran his little finger into 
the wound and taking :i pair of pincers from his vest pocket he 

pulled out a splintered bone several inches long, showing thai 
the hone was badly fractured, and in fact carried clear away. 

I look a long piece of the bone and showed it to Mr. I less to 
show him that the amputation of the limb was an absolute neces- 
sity. Me seemed to he satisfied. Me recovered from the opera- 
tion and returned to his home. 

There was another ol thi' Mess hoys who was also wounded in 

the leg, but which proved to be only a flesh wound. The doctor 
cut the ball out, Young Hess pluckily refusing to take chloro- 
form. The operation took place in the little tent which he 
occupied. I witnessed this Operation. 1 think the names of 

these comrades were Reuben and Abraham, hut cannot tell with 
any degree <^ certainty." 




NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 243 

Theodore Hester, Co. G. 

Comrade Hester was a drummer boy and was an interesting 
chum, a fine specimen of the young men who enlisted from Mt. 
Bethel. He relates the following: "Winfield S. Snyder and 
I were the musicians of Company G. The regiment assembled 
in Easton September 22, when transportation was made ready for 
Harrisburg, where we encamped until we went to Wash- 
ington, D. C, and encamped on Arlington Heights after which 
we were removed to the camp we named Camp Glanz, in honor 
of our colonel. Our next move was by boat to Alexandria, on 
the shore of the Potomac. We spent the winter at Brooks Station, 
and about the last of April marched to the battleground of 
Chancellorsville, where our regiment became engaged in its first 
battle. The fight commenced on Saturday, May 2, our regiment 
being posted on the extreme right of the line of the Eleventh 
Corps. The enemy having become aware of weak points of our 
army, made a circuit and completely enveloped our line. In those 
days I was an expert runner, and I was not long deciding what 
disposition to make of my 'worldly goods,' but left them all be- 
hind and made my way through the dense thickets, escaping 
with my life. There was but one point of the compass which 
suggested personal safety, and that was due north. The next day 
was Sunday. I continued to use my athletic abilities until I 
reached the Rappahannock river. Here I stopped long enough 
to take account of stock, and investigate the surroundings. I 
finally concluded to go back and see how many of the boys of 
Company G I could find. T followed the line of breastworks of 
the different regiments and finally came where they were, and 
they were glad to see me. I missed a few comrades of the com- 
pany and learned of personal friends who were killed at the 
opening of the battle, among them were Peter Kunsman and 
Jacob Rambel. Henry Dunbar told me that he assisted one of 
them to lean against a tree, others were captured. I crossed with 
the band of an Ohio regiment. On arrival at Falmouth I took a 
train for Brooks Station. T reported at headquarters and was 
assigned to hospital duties in charge of Wards Nos. 29 and 30, 
with 12 to 14 wounded in each ward. We were subsequently 



244 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.GT. 

transported to Washington, D. C. Among the patients I attended 
and brought with me to Washington were Samuel Carlton and 
John Holmes, of a Massachusetts regiment. Our return to Har- 
risburg for the muster-out and the reception in Easton were joy- 
ful events. The memory of our meeting with friends at home 
will ever abide." 



Captain Geo. H. Young, Co. H. 

The Captain occupied a conspicuous place in both battles and 
was wounded on the first day at Gettysburg. He was a fine 
type of soldier and commanded his Company with great ac- 
ceptability. His experience in the engagement of Chancellors- 
ville, and the terrible sufferings on account of his wound at 
Gettysburg would make an interesting chapter. He still re- 
sides in the city, enjoying the well earned honors of his military 
and civil life. 



Lieutenant Wm. H. Crawford, (M. D.) Co. I. 

"In the evening of the first day I had charge of a detail of 
men before the cannon. We remained in this position protected 
as well as we could during all night of the first day and until 
the evening of the second day. Up to the time of the charge 
by the Louisiana Tigers on the evening of the 2d, we were asso- 
ciated with a skirmish detail of the 33d Massachusetts. After 
the charge was made and the enemy repulsed we followed them 
down to the stone fence and lane. Here we remained on these 
low grounds until the 4th day." 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 245 

Letter of Lieut. Reuben J. Stotz 3 Co. I. 

"Camp near Brook's Station, Va., June 2, 1863. 

Dear Sister : — Having a few leisure moments I thought I would address 
a short letter to you. You may perhaps think that I have forgotten you. 
but if you do I hope you will be convinced that it is not so. I had com- 
menced a letter for you a short time ago, but was too lazy to finish it. 
I hope you will forgive me. I am, thank God, in good health and spirits, 
hoping this will find you in the same state. We have to drill every day, 
the weather is very hot and we have to go it double-quick, which as you 
can imagine, makes us sweat very much. The balance of the time we 
spend in lying in our tents. Soldier life is a very lazy life in summer 
time and I am getting a little tired of it, and should be glad if we were 
taken out of this stinking Virginia. Tomorrow we will move our camp. 
The general issued orders that we had to remove our camps every 10 days, 
the object being to prevent sickness as much as possible. I think it a very 
good plan, although I think it unnecessary for us, for we have a very 
healthy place. I don't like to leave it to exchange for another. It is 
the most beautiful camping ground I have yet seen in these diggings. We 
expect to return to our homes the beginning of next month. Won't that 
be a joyous time for us, if permitted to do so? I saw in the papers that 
the people of Northampton are making preparation for our reception. 

Our company's health is very good, only one being sick at present, viz., 
Jeremiah Resh, who has typhoid fever. He is, however, rapidly recover- 
ing. There are two in the general hospital, and as far as I can find out, 
are doing well. Two prisoners who were taken in the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville were paroled and are in Convalescent Camp, near Alexandria, Va. 
One, I think, is still on the other side of the river. The Rebs retained him 
to attend to our wounded. He may, however, have been paroled since and 
sent up to our camp. I had the good luck to come out without a scratch. I 
did not think it possible that a man could get out of such a place un- 
hurt, the way the balls whizzed around our heads. Our regiment was 
posted at the extreme right of the line, and was the first attacked, and 
that by an overwhelming force. After giving the Rebs five volleys we 
were ordered, by our commanding officers, to retreat. Our boys stood 
remarkably well (and as the brigade general said) gave the enemy a 
parting volley which they did not expect. The Eleventh Corps is censured 
very much, but I know that some regiments fought bravely, and no blame 



2.46 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

should be put on such. Our army is lying quiet and there is no indica- 
tion oi any forward movement, nor attack from the enemy. You can get 
more information through the papers than I can give you. If God grants 
me the privilege to return and spend a few days with you we will have a 
long conversation, which will be of more satisfaction than writing. Give 
my love to Jacob and the children, and keep a share for yourself. Wish- 
ing you health and happiness in abundance, I remain as ever your affec- 
tionate brother, REUBEN." 



Recollections of Lewis B. Clewell, Co. I. 

"Three members of Company I, James Engle, George Fritz 
and myself, were captured at Chancellorsville on the evening of 
May 2, 1863. We, in company with a large number of prisoners 
from the 153d and other commands, were taken to Jackson's 
headquarters, where we spent the night in an old shed (or, as 
many as could get in, the rest outside). On Sunday morning, 
May 3d, we marched about two miles from the battlefield, where 
we were halted, drawn up in line, and the able or stronger- 
looking men were detailed to go with the ambulances and pick up 
the wounded. Those selected for this work were not sent to 
Libbv. Comrade Fritz of Company I was one of the number 
detailed. He afterward stated that many of the wounded were 
found on the field still living on the second and third days 
after the battle, and that many were supposed to have been 
burned to death in the high grass which was burning. 

The sights and odors sickened him at first, but soon got used 
to it. We continued our march, arriving at Spottsylvania Court 
House, where we spent the night. May the 4th we marched to 
Guinea's Station. Up to this time no rations had been dealt out 
to us. I had about three days' rations in my haversack, and while 
it lasted I divided with the less fortunate comrades. While here 
the Rebs rolled in a number of barrels of wheat flour, from which 
we were allowed to help ourselves. The prospect of making a 
meal of raw flour, without salt or water, was not very cheering. 



NARRATIVES 0E THE COMRADES 247 

but as is said, 'necessity is the mother of invention.' We set our 
Yankee wits to work and in a few minutes were drawing water. 
This we did by digging small holes in the sand, into which the 
water would filter. Then dipping it out with our tin cups, we 
added sufficient flour to make a stiff batter, pressing it into flat 
cakes with our hands and placing them on the end of sharpened 
sticks, we held them near the fire until baked. The rest was easy. 
Prisoners were added to our number daily. May 7th we marched 
to near Milford Station, camping for the night. May 8th we con- 
tinued our march, arriving in the evening at Hanover Station, 
where we spent the night, and had very good crackers dealt out 
to us, which were not so hard as our hard-tack. 

During the evening we were calling for one of our men, Jacob 
Senseman, a member of our Regimental Band. The Rebel officer 
in command of the guard, hearing the name called, approached 
us, asked if we were calling Senseman. We said yes. He then 
asked us where he was from. We replied from Nazareth, Pa. 
He said, 'I would like to see him. I was a student at Nazareth 
Hall and was well acquainted in Nazareth.' He made inquiry 
about many of his old acquaintances and was friendly, allowing 
us to communicate with the guard, who treated us very kindly. 
May 9th, arriving at Richmond, we were placed in Libby prison, 
second floor. The officers occupied the first floor. Our colonel, 
Charles Glanz, being one of the first floor occupants. We found 
a knot hole in the floor, through which we passed messages on 
slips of paper. The room assigned to us was in charge of a de- 
serter from the Union army and he was the worst man we had 
thus far to deal with. Our prison fare was two meals a day, 
and for the first time good soft bread was served, for the sec- 
ond, poor weak bean soup. The water came in through pipes 
from the James River, was muddy after a shower. Troughs 
running around two sides of the room, flushed with the waste 
water from the pipe were used for all closet purposes. The filthy 
water from the trough in the room above us leaked through into 
our apartments and was very offensive, and in these days would 
be considered quite unsanitary. The Richmond Inquirer was 



248 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

brought to the outside of the door, and by our first shoving 20 
cents of our currency (shin-plasters) through under the door, a 
copy of the paper would be served us in like manner. On one 
occasion a back number was passed in, in exchange for my 20 
cents. May 13th, on leaving Libby for City Point, we were 
supplied with cakes, by Rebel women and children, at 25 cents 
each, such as we could get at home for 2 cents apiece. Marched 
to City Point in a heavy rain, and dried our clothes by the fire, 
May 14th took steamer for Annapolis, Md., arriving May 16th ; 
encamped until May 20. when we left for 'Convalescent Camp' 
at Alexandria, remaining there until July 8th, when we were sent 
to Harrisburg, which was our abiding place until mustered out 
with the regiment. 

LEWIS B. CLEWELL." 
Corporal, Co. I, 153d Regt. Pa. Vols., Bethlehem, Pa. 



Capt. Isaac LaRue Johnson, Co. K. 

Grand Royal Arch Chapter, District of Columbia. Office of the Grand 
High Priest, Washington, D. C, January 10, 1900. 

"To the Constituent Chapter of this Grand Chapter, and all to whom 
these presents may come : Again are we reminded of the solemn fact 
that 'it is appointed unto all men once to die.' Isaac LaRue Johnson, Past 
Grand High Priest, passed the vails which interpose between this earthly 
tabernacle and the Holy of Holies above, at his residence in this city on 
Thursday, December 28, 1899. M. E. Companion Johnson was born in 
Warren County, N. J., October 16, 1837. He came to this city when a 
youth, was graduated at Columbia College, studied law, and was admitted 
to practice in the Courts of the District. 

In 1862 he was commissioned a captain in the One Hundred and Fifty- 
third Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, and served with his regiment in 
the Army of the Potomac. Resigning on February 11, 1863, he returned 
to Washington and re-engaged in the practice of law, in which he soon 
gained a highly honorable reputation. His great work in his profession 
was to make complete copies of all titles from the records of the office 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 249 

of Records of Deeds, and th<' documents thus prepared were the founda- 
tion of the first Real Estate Title Insurance Company in the District. 
He was interred with Masonic honors at Oak Hill Cemetery on Sunday, 
December ,?i. i<S<;<>. The Orand Lodge performing the burial service, and 
the several bodies of which he was a member being represented in the 
cortege which followed his remains to their last resting place. 

WM. BARNUM, Grand High Priest. 
A. W. JOHNSON, Grand Secretary." 



Letter from Lieut. Laurence Dutott, Co. K. 

"Camp near Brooks Station, May ij, [863. 

Dear Elizabeth: 1 hope you have received all my former lettei 

Now I must tell you more of the battle. Tin- kebs attacked us on the 2d 

<>f May. We stood until they came within twenty live feel of us, when we 
were compelled to fall back. They kept Up a steady lire of shot and 
musketry, having us in a cross lire. The bullets came as thick as hail 
We were driven back more than a mile, when our noble battery opened 
on them. I low glad I was when I heard our battery cutting them. I was 
almost played out, for want of water. That was on Saturday. I slept 
on the lield quietly. Sunday morning they came on again, but they fell 

like Hies. At the same lime we lost a greal many good fellows. Peter 
Sandl was killed in Saturday's fight. Jeremiah h'lory was missing the 
same day. You would not know the resl if I were to tell you their name.. 
One from Ottsvillc was killed the same day. Last Sunday our chaplain 
preached a sermon in honor of our dead. We feel losl without our 
colonel. The lasl we saw of him he was standing a^inst a tree Uppo ed 
to be wounded. The tears were- rolling down his face when he said, 'My 
Cod, what has become' of my regiment?' Me thought we were all cut up. I 
think we all lament our good commander's fate. May Cod help him to re 
turn. Our lieutenant colonel is here bu1 is wounded and is unlit for 

duty. All our field officers are wounded, and three line officers, but I am 

safe so far, thank Cod Ml the officers losl their baggage. One of the 

mules was shot. The one that had mine on, ami all my baggage is in 
the hands of the kebs. I b0Ughl a new blanket. 

From your hu band. 
LIEUT. LAURENCE DUTOTT. 
We just heard from Colonel (dan/. Me is in Richmond, a prisoner." 



-'5° HISTORV OF mi: [53D REGT. 

Lewis Fraunfelder, Co. K. 

While on a visit describing the spot where the 153d stood 
during the assault. Comrade Fraunfelder said; "Here behind 
this very wall is where we lay. These cannon just behind us 

and all these guns as you see them here Occupied the same posi- 
tion. This stone fence furnished all the protection wo had, as 
we tired over it. So far as 1 can judge there is no change in 
the location or shape of the rows oi stone. Ahout in this loca- 
tion 1 remember crouching, The cannonading was very severe 

all ahout us. The men assembled on Cemetery Hill on the even- 
in;; oi the 1st day numbered ahout 60, It required considerable 
time for the reorganization oi the scattered men, hut which was 
effected by the subordinate officers, greatly assisted by the Brig- 
adier Genera] von Gilsa. 1 was with a detachment oi jo men 

sent out as skirmishers. We were sent out across the wall and 
foot walls below the hill into an open field. Here we were 
under the tire oi the sharp shooters who occupied the houses 
on the outskirts of the town. It was here on this skirmish 
line where I was wounded on the _\1 day." 



Letter from John Rush, Co. K. 

"My Dear Comrade Marl: : 

Your circular letter dated October 6th eame to me a few- 
days ago and indeed 1 was glad to get even a circular letter 
from one of my old comrades. This is the first line that 1 have 
ever received from any member oi the [53d. But 1 had no 
reason to expect to hear from any oi them as 1 was an entire 
Stranger to every one in the regiment and when we were mus- 
tered out went hack to my home in Xew Jersey where 1 was 
living when the war broke out, hut, my parents refusing their 
consent to my enlistment, 1 went over to Kaston and went to 
work on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and when the [53d was 
being made up stole a march on my parents and enlisted in 

Company K oi that regiment. 



NARRATIVES OS Til i{ COMRADES 



25 » 



I was born in [reland on the firsl day of May, [844. My 
parents came to this country (bringing me with them) and 
landed in Boston <>n the first day of May, [847, when I was just 
three years old. 

My experience in the Army was so ordinary as not I" be 
worth taking up spare in history, but in answer to your (|nes- 




Jolitl Knsli, Co. EC. 



lions will relate some of my experience to be used or not just 
as yon like. 

1 was wounded in the left arm at Gettysburg, and, after 

lowering and raising my arm to see if the hone was broken and 
finding thai it was not, I finished loading my rifle bul when I 
attempted to raise my arm to fire found thai it was so weak 

that I could not raise it, — a iiiinie ball having passed nine 
inches through the muscles of the ;irm and shoulder. 



252 



ii lsrouN OF tii i: i 53D reg r 



When I found myself useless and helpless I started to go to 
the rear l >ut had only gotten .1 few steps from the line when 
anothei minie ball struck mj righl shoulder (.-1111111;; my collar 
bone almost entirely away. Although thai was forty five /ears 
ago I have never since been free from pain in that shoulder. 

\s our whole line was falling back I was hailed by a brave 
young lieutenant, I don'l know his name or to what regimenl he 
belonged, but he tried to rally the boys, that were falling back, 
and make a stand, ami when 1 told him that I was wounded in 
both shoulders he told me to break my gun so that the enemj 
would not get it and when 1 told him that 1 could not and 
that it was loaded, he took mj gun and I held my cartridge box 
open with one hand and iiiv cap pouch open with the other, and 
we both stood at a gate, he loading and firing my gun, till 1 
was made a prisoner and he had .1 narrow escape. 1 don't 
know what became oi him, hut 1 wish 1 could sec him for he 

was made of Sterling Stuff. 

I was taken into a large brick house. 1 think it was the 

almshouse, hut the place was full of wounded and the late 

comer had 10 wan till some poor fellows died before he could 
get a bed. 

M\ wounds had hied quae freely, but 1 had some use of my 
right arm. and when 1 was put on a bed 1 could manage to 
poui waiei from a pitcher on my own wounds when lying on 

mi\ back, while others were worse off than myself. 

Pheie was one poor fellow, an Irishman, who was \ ei v 

severel) wounded in the head, who wanted to get out oi his 
he/, and let me have it saying that he had no right there as he 

came there as an enemy, 1, of course, refused to let him get 

out of bed hut later on when I did get a COt he became delirious 

and was about to tall out oi hed. and 1 jumping up suddenly 

ran to sit on the side oi his hed to keep him in. That started 
ni\ own wounds (o bleeding afresh and as 1 was too weak to 
walk and the enenix having more wounded o\ their own than 
the} could take e.ue of, the} led me alone, and on the fourth of 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 253 

|ni\ I \v;is hauled off to the field hospital in the heaviesl rain 
since Noah's Flood, and spenl thai nighl on the seat of an 
ambulance. Captain Oerter, of Co. C) and some one else thai 
I don't know, occupied the bed of the ambulance. The nexl 

day I was taken t<> a tent and niv blouse and shirt i ut down the 
fronl and back and taken off me In prevent irritation and in tli.it 

undress uniform, trousers and shoes, was taken to Baltimore 

where my wounds were first dressed. 

The train thai I traveled on was made np of freight and 
stock cars which caused some dissatisfaction, hnl everybody has 
[earned since then that railroads were not equipped to meet such 

emergencies on short notice. Bui I was greatly favored by 

falling into the hands of dear Miss Anna Nix who took me into 
a passenger coach attached to the train; for the accommodation 
of officers, and kept me in the seat with herself, as I had lost 

considerable blood ami rations were short I l;iicss i looked rather 

pale. Miss l)i\ hail no rations hnt she ordered a doctor and 
her Orders were obeyed- to ;^ivc me some hrandy. No one 
hut a mother COUld have cared for me so tenderly as Miss l)ix 
did and when I heard of her death I fell her loss as one of the 

greatesl sorrows of my life. 
When we arrived in Philadelphia I felt at home among my 

own people as I had many relatives living there and indeed 
everybody was made to feel at home in that beautiful city <>f 
loveable people where I was taken to the Union Volunteer l\e- 

freshmenl Saloon and hospital. Mere I gol a square meal, 

had my wounds dressed again, gol another clean shirt the one 

given me at Baltimore was taken off those shirts were made 

in sections and tied on with tape, I was then sent to Chard 
Hospital. Indeed I could not retrace my steps for I can't re 
member all the places that I gOl a night's lodging hnt finally 
landed in Kaston and was mustered out with the regiment. I 
had lived in Kaston some lime in the fifties. Was there when 
the cholera was very bad. 

1 remember that our regimenl met with a royal welcome 



254 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

from the good people of that City. They gave us a fine dinner 
at the Fair Grounds where beautiful girls waited on the tables, 
and I personally was very hospitably entertained at the home 
of a Mrs. Fleming, whose beautiful and patriotic daughter 
Amanda, seeing my almost helpless condition with both arms 
in slings, took me to her home and treated me like a brother. 

Time cannot blot out the sweet memories of the tender 
sympathy shown to a stranger in a time of distress and all 
these years I have prayed that God would bless the Fleming- 
family. 

When in the Army I was young and inexperienced, and was a 
great trial to my Captain, Isaac Buzzard, whom I secretly loved 
as a brave and upright Christian gentleman. 

When I was mustered out I had $J(> to live on and clothe 
myself for six months while my wounds were healing up, I 
managed to keep covered by buying cheap material and making 
my own clothes but had no need to tell any one that I made 
them. 

After I got able to work I tried to re-enlist but was rejected 
twice, then went in the Construction Corps in Virginia; but 
wanted to get back in the ranks ami tried again, but was again 
rejected. Then through the influence of the Honorable Philip 
Johnson M. C, from Easton, got into the Commissary Depart- 
ment as Citizen Soldier at $50 per month and boarded and lived 
at a hotel, but got restless and went to Trenton where I was 
accepted in a way that looked very much like graft, being 
wounded as well as being an alien (was exempt from military 
service") the examining surgeon and mustering officer tried to 
run me in as a substitute, and when I refused to go a-- a 
substitute for any one, they told me that I would get 
eleven hundred dollars if I went as a substitute for their 
man, and when I told them that there was not enough money 
in the State of New Jersey to hire me as a substitute they 
ordered me out. Then T told the Captain that he might be 
called upon to explain why T was not as well fitted to serve as 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 255 

a volunteer recruit as I was to serve as a substitute for some 
able-bodied man, he turned as white as this paper, cursed me, 
and said, that if I wanted to go and get killed and miss that 
eleven hundred dollar bounty that he would muster me in and I 
might go and get killed. So I was mustered in as a volunteer 
recruit in Co. C, 2d New Jersey Cavalry (I had a school chum 
in that Company), but as that regiment was in Sherman's Army 
it had left Chattanooga before I got there. I was then sent hack 
to Nashville and put into a camp of detached cavalry under 
command of Lieutenant Colonel Minor, Captain Wilson and 
Lieutenant Keeler, all of the 7th Ohio Cavalry. If we were 
in that section of the county now and behaved as we did then we 
would be called 'Night Riders;' as we made most of our ex- 
cursions at night, going out by twos, tens, twenties or more 
according to the game we were after. 

At the close of the war I came west to Illinois, and for a 
time boarded with a Mrs. Liab Clark in the Town of Charles- 
ton, a former home of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln's famous 
Log Cabin was just out of Charleston and Mrs. Clark was the 
daughter of Dennis Hanks whom I knew very well. 

I railroaded for a time in Illinois and Michigan. In the 
Spring of 1877 I came to the coast and spent my first year run- 
ning a steamboat on Puget Sound when I was sent for to come 
here to run a steamboat on San Francisco Bay, where I re- 
mained for five years. 

I am now engaged in the jewelry business. I was not over- 
looked by the big fire and as I stood in the bread line and cooked 
in the street and saw the refugees carrying their worldly pos- 
sessions on their backs it reminded me of cam]) life, but T hope 
to be spared another such a reminder. 

I am a member of George II. Thomas Post G. A. R. of this 
Department. I know Lieutenant Colonel Ivlward S. Soloman of 
the 45th New York, 1st Brigade, 3d Division, Eleventh Corps, 
lie is a Past Dept. Commander of this Department. Tn discuss- 



256 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.GT. 

ing the battle of Gettysburg with him one time he said 'the 153d 
fought like devils.' " 



Brief Narratives by the Boys. 

Peter Kridler, Company A, says he spent from 4 p. m. of the 
first day till the next evening on skirmish duty in the Gettysburg 
engagement; during this time he fired 65 rounds of cartridges. 
He landed on top of Cemetery Hill about dusk on the second day. 

Tilghman Rhoads, Company A, wounded at Gettysburg; was 
a monumental worker by trade, had the great honor of setting 
the marker at the foot of the stone fence indicating the skirmish 
line of the regiment. Comrade Rhoads also testifies that when 
he retired from the Rebel flank at Chancellorsville, he saw the 
stacked guns of the 41st Regiment, and the men gone. George 
Hirst, Company F, in the Chancellorsville battle, took his gun 
from the stack, fired, and retired, but found the regiment behind 
the 153d gone. 

Reuben S. Vogel, Company D, was on von Gilsa's staff, but by 
request of Colonel Glanz, joined the band. Jacob R. Senseman, 
a member of the band, was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville. 
Peter Sandt (Win. P.), Company E, was killed in line of battle 
at Chancellorsville. (He is among the "Unknown"). Comrade 
Vogel says : On the slope of Cemetery Hill he saw many dead 
whose pockets had been turned wrong side out. This was a com- 
mon sight after a battle. Ernest Render, Company H, assisted in 
the slashing of the trees of the barricade in front of the regiment 
on the Chancellorsville battle ground. General von Gilsa was 
present and told the men how to cut the timber. As Bender was 
hit by a falling tree Gilsa told him to quit. Sidney J. (M.) 
Miller rode one of Colonel Glanz's horses away at the opening 
of the battle and at the time of the retreat. Gilsa rode the other 
horse.* Colonel Glanz was captured near the Tally House. He 
was a very fleshy man, and wore high topped boots which reach- 
ed to his thigh. It was impossible for him to run, and whoever 

*Gilsa's horse had fallen and injured the General. 



NARRATIVES OF THE COMRADES 257 

could not take his own part, in that performance, at that time, 
was captured. Colonel Dachrodt was wounded in the arm. Philip 
I lalpin was killed near Barlow's Knoll, in the extreme front posi- 
tion our regiment had taken at Gettysburg. Peter Kridler says a 
comrade saw where 18 bodies were buried in one grave at that 
spot. These bodies, with all that could be located elsewhere over 
the field were taken up in the month of October and buried in the 
National grounds, where all bodies that could not be identified 
were placed in tiers of the plot marked, "Unknown." Companies 
A and B went on the skirmish line on first entering the field at 
Gettysburg. Kridler further says, he heard Gilsa say as he rode 
along the line through the town, "By order of General Schurz I 
take command of my brigade." Gilsa was very popular with 
the boys, and Barlow had placed him under arrest (for not obey- 
ing some order of detachment). The men of the brigade shouted 
lustily as the General (Gilsa) rode by them to enter the field to 
be again at the head of his command. 

George Siegfried, Company D, residing at Bath, was a mem- 
ber of Company D. He reports having fired four times before 
the regiment was ordered to retire before Jackson's attack. It 
was a moment of great excitement. On his turning back he saw 
the guns of the 41st still on stack and the men gone. An inci- 
dent of amusing nature occurred as related by George. It was 
on this wise : The men were out of rations upon an occasion, 
and he gave $20 to two comrades and sent them out to look for 
bread. They came back with one loaf, for which they paid 
fifty cents, but returned only $7.50 change, and the balance they 
could not account for. After the regiment returned home Wire- 
bach paid back six dollars, and about one year afterwards, 
Houser met his friend Siegfried and said to him, "Here is the 
$6 I have owed you for a year. We had spent your change in a 
little outing of our own." Asa K. Mcllhaney, the public school 
principal of Bath, has taken a great interest in everything per- 
taining to the regiment, and rendered the historian considerable 
assistance. F. L. Fatzinger, Esq., of Bath, also assisted the 
writer by introductions to comrades from whom valuable items 
were received. 
17 



258 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

John Ribble was one of the first men wounded in front of the 
line at the opening of the battle at Chancellorsville. He was re- 
moved in a wagon and taken to the rear. 



Thomas Quinn, Go. D. 

"I was wounded in first day's fight at Chancellorsville, and 
laid in woods over night. Was taken prisoner next morning 
by the 5th N. C. Regt., Confederate ; was taken to Libby prison 
about three weeks ; was paroled and taken to Convalescent 
Camp, Alexandria, Va., was exchanged and after battle of 
Gettysburg was discharged. Enlisted as private, was promoted 
to Corporal and then to 3d Sergeant. Was with regiment 
whole time except while in prison. 



Members of the 153d Band. 

Eugene Walter, Leader; Jas. C. Beitel, A; Jos. E. Seiple ; 
Lewis H. Abel, A; Wm. H. Clewell, A; Henry C. Leibfried, 
A ; C. Edwin Michael, A ; Chas. Schuman, F ; Wm. H. Burcaw, F ; 
Jacob Senseman, A; Reuben S. Vogel. D; Stephen D. Hirst, H; 
Henry Medemack ; Henry Nolf , Co. D ; John Bruce, G. 



Thoughts on Memorial Day. 

Memorial Day is crowded with tender memories. The new- 
made grave of our sleeping Comrade is yet before our bowed 
spirit. More than 500,000 brave warriors were laid to rest in the 
storm of that dark day. The dead we mourn were our Com- 
rades in arms, in blue. They have bivouaced under "those low 
green tents whose curtains never outward swing." Their dust 
is watched by the night sentinels — the silent stars which pace 
their solemn rounds in the midnight sky. We pay them a sol- 
diers' honor while we place flowers — the emblems of hope — on 
their craves. Thus also we reconsecrate ourselves to those high 





j& r ^^ 






-tjtfBi MH t : f, '■■;!. 






■-3 « \ 






4 ^/H N 


v S 




.^1 * ■■'•■ Rjf 












'^BmMHBm B A' AT 


[ ' ?jS 












I 
I 
H 

1 




->4H| 


' Ilia 




j^S? Mr^iBJ 





THOUGHTS ON MEMORIAL DAY 259 

principles for which, with them, we fought and for which they 
have given the full measure of patriotic devotion with their 
lives. Go back in memory to those dark and stirring days. 
They seem as but yesterday, the weird dream of a night. Now 
again before our eyes they are unveiled and appalling. The 
excitements of those war times. How fresh the sad scenes ! 
Sad men everywhere ! The mechanic laid down his tools on 
the bench before him. The husbandman his implements of sow- 
ing and reaping, walked to the fence to learn tidings of the far 
off field of the contending armies. The plow was left athwart 
the furrow. The horse is ridden to the village green, to the 
enlisting room in the excitement of the drum beats and under the 
Nation's flag. "To arms" cannot be longer unheeded. The 
love of home is strong; but the love of country prevails. The 
final day has come, the parting from loved ones, amid sobs and 
farewells the long trains bear away the father, the son, the 
brother, the friend. The grief of that sad parting was only ex- 
ceeded by the joy of the return of the loved ones. The lives 
laid upon the altar of their country ! How precious to know 
that the fallen ones are wrapped in their country's flag! That 
though some were not recognized as to Regimental relations ; 
yet they sleep in the shadow of the same National monument 
which commemorates the known dead.* 

*Of the forty-seven killed, and deaths from wounds, at Gettysburg, seven 
repose in the National Cemetery (at Gettysburg), while many of them 
are there asleep with the unknown. 



^i^m^ 



2(5o 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



A True Patriot's Monument. 
Hiram Pearson, Company D, has erected a beautiful monu- 
ment in Greenwood Cemetery, Howertown. It is one of the 
most attractive memorials of its kind in eastern Pennsylvania, 
and is the only one erected at private expense in either Lehigh 




Erected by Hirain Pearson, Co. D. 

or Northampton Counties. This, is a very important reason 
(aside from the fact that it shows the patriotism of our people) 
why we should add this beautiful monumental shaft to our illus- 
trative department of the history of our gallant soldiers. 
The dimensions of the monument are 26 feet and six inches 



IN MEMORIAM 



26l 



high, and six and a half feet wide at the base. The crowning 
figure is that of a full sized soldier in the position of parade 
rest. The adornment and engravement of the shaft are: The 
Eleventh Army Corps Crescent, G. A. R. emblems and the war 
record of Mr. Pearson. He was in both battles in which the 
153d participated, — Chancellorsville and Gettysburg — and was 
severely wounded in the latter. The work on the shaft is of 
best design, and the position in the Cemetery commanding, 
being visible for a long distance. It will ever perpetuate the 
memory of the generous veteran and stand in commemoration 
of the noble regiment and its heroic sacrifices for the preserva- 
tion of our beloved country. 



In Memoriam. 



We commemorate the bravery, worthiness, patriotism, fame 
and moral elevation of our fallen comrades. We proudly bedeck 
the sacred places of their sleeping dust with flowers as emblems 
of remembrance. The Pantheon, in Rome, is a temple dedicated 
to all the gods of the pagans, the Santa Marie Rotondo is the 
only ancient edifice in Rome preserved perfectly. It was lighted 
through an aperture in the dome. It was built by Agrippa 
twenty-seven years before the Christian era. 

On the plains of Marathon 11,000 Greeks put to flight 100,000 
Persians and drove them to the sea. They that day saved Europe 
from the threatening horde of Asia before whom had fallen 
Egypt, Babylon, Armenia and Syria. On Marathon the despots' 
mad rush was stayed. Here the dauntless Greek gave to the 
world an example of patriotism before unknown. Byron said 
in verse : 



262 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

"The flying Meade, his shaftless broken bow ; 

The fiery Greek, his red pursuing spear ; 
Mountains above, earths, ocean's plain below ; 

Death in the front, destruction in the rear, 

Such was the scene." 

On that noted field the grateful Greeks erected an artificial 
earth mound the sole monumental design to mark the spot where 
their brave men fell. 

The dead of our Union army lie buried in a grander Pantheon 
than the Greeks across the seas. History will forever hold them 
dear. The faces of our deceased victorious comrades are not 
yet obliterated from the tablet of our memory. 

The Pantheon, the temple of Trajan, Westminster Abby hold 
the dust of many brave and glorious men, but what more famous 
monuments of valorous deeds than these: 

The "Broken Rock," the "Splintered Tree," the "Wheat 
Field," "Spangler's Spring," the "Clump of Umbrella Trees," 
"Round Top," "Little Round Top," "Bloody Angle," "Devil's 
Den," "Seminary Ridge," "Barlow's Knoll" and "Cemetery 
Ridge." The National Cemetery at Gettysburg, where lie 1000 
of our brave "Unknown," and where many of the dead of the 
153d repose. 

The poet has said : 

"They lie where they fighting fell, 

In alien groves, but slumber well; 

No sister or wife to weep, 

There strew with flowers the silent grave : 

Of those who dfed their native land to save. 

And more and more as swift years come and go. 

Of those who mourned for these will slumber low. 

But in far time to come when all are gone, 

Will still the memory of our dead live on." 



ADDRESS OF LIEUT. J. CLYDE MILLAR 263 

Address of Lieutenant J. Clyde Millar. At Dedication of 
Monument of 153d Regiment on Barlow's Knoll. 

"To be called upon at a moment's notice to group into words 
suitable and fully grasp the idea of the single sentence to 
honor brave men dead, to me is an impossibility ; and yet, we 
are told history repeats itself; a true saying, is it not? for this 
day marks a closing act in a drama beheld in the lifetime of 
many present — that of war on the one side, peace, glorious 
peace, repeating itself, on the other. We see congregated here 
to-day upon this historical field a vast multitude assembled from 
the North as well as the South ; but under what different aus- 
pices from the one that gathered here one-fourth century ago. 
To-day the hum of voices in glad greetings are heard ; the clasp- 
ing of hands in one common brotherhood seen ; the mingling 
together beneath the folds of a starry flag, each and every one 
saying that for America there can be but one God, one country 
and one flag. Then for a few moments of time to turn back 
the leaves of memory and see what can be read thereon. Again 
we see two armies, antagonistic one to the other, two columns 
of men rapidly marching parallel with each other towards a 
centering point. When and where that inevitable meeting was 
to be none for a time knew. At last one man, the one-armed 
Howard, declared that here, within these encircling hills, should 
be the arena wherein should be enacted one of the greatest 
gigantic struggles of warfare known to the civilized world. Ere 
the sun had reached its meridian on that first day of July, 1863, 
there was a hush, a stillness in the very atmosphere surrounding 
us. War-worn veterans knew full well that it was but the lull, 
the forerunner of the tempest yet to come. Brave hearts trembled 
or waxed strong in the awful presence of the coming storm; 
the steady tramp of marching men ended ; the rumbling roll of 
cannon wheels ceased ; the bugle call silent ; knapsacks were 
unslung; bayonets fixed; the command of forward awaited; at 
last the guns of brave Reynolds rang out on that mid-summer 
day ; the die was cast ; the battle on. Soon the sullen boom of 
the cannon's roar was heard, the unearthly shriek of the flying 



2(>4 HISTORY 0*' THE [53D REGT. 

shell, the bugle's blast, the hoarse command, the volley's crash. 

1 looked and beheld lying over yonder, touched by the icy hand 
of death, the form of one who had once been a mother's pride; 
there, stark and still, lay a fond father's hope; here the husband 
of a loving wife; yonder a young girl's choice. 

Again 1 see this regiment, 600 strong,* with an undaunted 

front, charging that flaming line of almost certain death. When 
brave Heaver, Howell, Yeager, Meyers, with hundreds more, 
went down beneath that leaden hail, still onward they swept out 
of the shimmering light into that dark death-dealing cloud, ever 
and anon amidst this murky scene could be seen the floating 
banners oi this charging host, the red-like stripes cut from a 
crimson cloud, the white-like Stripes from the morning's mist ; 
the blue, a field of azure sky, within which, like halls of fire at 
a white heat, blazed and twinkled the diamond stars; wave after 
wave, billow after billow, of southern rebellion, rolled up, but 
broke on that bulwark of northern unionism, that with its glitter- 
ing wall of bayonets and thundering tones said, thus far, but no 
farther ; strewn the valley, dotted the hills with wounded, dying and 
dead, slumbering on yonder hillside heroes who solved with their 
own existence the problem o\ a nation's life: sleeping on yonder 
hillside in their windowless palaces <^\ rest, thousands upon 
thousands of brave unknown ones who said the star of Ameri- 
can liberty should not go down in the darkness of midnight 
gloom, but should hence forth glisten and shine as a beacon 
light for millions living, as well as for unborn millions yet to 
come. 

Then consecrate this monument to their memory dear. Time 
may crumble its beautiful outlines; storms beat upon its rocky 
sides, but guard well thy trust, oh, thou Silent Bugler one! 
Call not back our loved ones gone, but watch over with a sol- 
dier's care von voiceless city <A our beloved dead — dead, but 
not forgotten. "Pis but a question of time, the rising and set- 
ting of a few more suns, when we too will cross over that river, 
where war drums never throb or battle Hags unfurl. 

*The number present in this battle cannot be actually ascertained. 



DEDICATION OF MONUMENT [53D REGIMENT [NFANTRV 265 

Mush thy rustling wings, oh ang*e] band; 

I [alt ! thou mystic soldier hosl ; 

Hold! thou countless millions, hold ! 

Time in silent awe is lust . 

See! with noiseless tread thej come, with hallowed lijdn they shine. 

'Tis the mighty chieftains, Graxil and Meade, 

I lark! Hear their last command comes ringing down the line; 

Spirit soldiers freed, 

See your living comrades now, as all brave soldiers should, 

Clasp hands in one grand brotherhood. 

Henceforth they march forevermore 

As one greal mighty army corps 

Through all Eternity ; 

No North, no South, no East, no West, 

But all! fraternity, 

When death sounds taps for bivouac dead. 

The pontoon bridges all are laid 

AcrO'SS yon shoreless sea, 

Then closed en masse, that silent hand in waiting stand, 

With no one now to lead ; 

It matters not, they'll meet us there, 

Our old commanders, (■rant and Meade." 



Dedication of Monument 153d Regiment Infantry. Address 
of Lieutenant William Beidelman. 

"Comrades of the laic One Hundred ami Fifty-third Regiment: — 
As we recall the scenes enacted on this spot a little- more than 
twenty-six years ago, we are overcome hy the emotions that 
struggle within us. It is here that yon met in desperate en- 
counter the then foe who sought the destruction of the American 
Union. As we stand on this elevated spot, to he ever known 
as Barlow's Knoll, in honor of the gallant and distinguished 
officer who commanded our Division, and who was so desper- 
ately wounded here, our minds recall the terrible drama per- 
formed here a little more than a quarter of a ccntnry ago. 



266 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

Our fancy again paints the lurid scenes of this great and 
memorable battlefield. Looking across yonder fields now wrapt 
in peaceful embrace, we can imagine General Gordon's command 
of brave Georgians advancing upon us in grand but terrible 
battle array. In fancy I see their serried columns marching 
grandly on, their burnished guns glistening in the sun of that 
awful July day, and then that dreadful charge, the desperate 
struggle on the banks of the peaceful stream at our feet, the 
carnival of death, our comrades falling all around us, and finally 
the repulse of our brave boys; all these are things to which our 
memories recur this day. Tftiis very spot drenched in the 
patriotic blood of our dead comrades; let us pause and drop a 
tear or two in honor of their memory. There are some people 
who ask us to forget these scenes. But I say let those who 
remained behind enjoying the calm repose of peaceful homes 
while you went forth to do battle, and if need be die for your 
country, forget them, but you cannot. The heroism, the deeds 
of valor and the blood poured out on both sides by the blue and 
the gray, protest in trumpet tones against burying these recol- 
lections. There is no human inspiration that can, or will ever 
awaken greater pride in our bosom than the fact that you 
fought at Gettysburg. It is on this field that the tide of the 
great rebellion was turned which kept on ebbing until the Union 
and free government on this continent were again made secure 
by the surrender at Appomattox. 

This beautiful monument which we dedicate this day, will, 
as the years roll on, tell the story of what you did here, and 
it will serve to keep green the memories of those of our com- 
rades that fell here. And when we are no longer, and the 
last one of us shall be gathered with the Grand Army beyond 
the grave, and none of us are left to talk about Gettysburg, 
this marble shaft will remain to tell the story. 



THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT IN THE COUNTY SKAT 267 



The Map of the Battlefield. 

'Plic vast field covers 25 square miles, every pari of which 
is shown on the map except the Cavalry Battlefield, which lies 
3 miles east of the town. The picture shows the ground as it 
now appears with the Government improvements of roads dedi- 
cated to the Generals who had armies in the respective locali- 
ties. North of the town in a westerly direction we find Buford 
Avenue. About in this region the battle began. 




Soldiers' Monument In Barton, i'a. 



The Beautiful Monument in the County Seat. 
No more enduring commemoration of Northampton's 
great regiment — the 153d — has been shown by the citizens of 



268 HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 

the County than by the erection of the elegant shaft which 
graces the public square of the City of Easton and was dedicated 
to the grateful memory of all her soldiers. 
1 st Regiment (3 months). 

Company A, Capt. Jas. L. Selfridge. 
Company B, Capt. Jacob Dachrodt. 
Company C, Capt. Wm. H. Armstrong. 
Company D, Capt. Charles H. Heckman. 
Company H, Capt. Ferdinand W. Bell. 

9th Regiment (3 months). 

Company G, Capt. Richard A. Graeffe. 

41st Regiment — 12th Reserves — (3 years). 
Company E, Capt. John I. Horn. 

46th Regiment (3 years). 

Company C, Capt. Owen A. Luckenbach. 

47th Regiment (3 years). 

Company A, Capt. Richard A. Graeffe. 
Company C, Capt. Charles H. Yard. 

51st Regiment (3 years). 

Company B, Capt. Ferdinand W. Bell. 
Company K, Capt. John E. Titus. 

59th Regiment — 2d Cavalry — (3 years). 

Company H, Capt. Nalbro Frazier, Jr. 

64th Regiment — 4th Cavalry (3 years). 

Company A, Capt. Edward Tombler. 

67th Regiment (3 years). 

Company H, Capt. Lynford Trock. 

108th Regiment — nth Cavalry (3 years). 

Company H, Capt. Samuel Wetherill. 

113th Regiment — 12th Cavalry (3 years). 
Company D, Capt. David Schortz. 



THE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENT IN THE COUNTY SEAT 269 

129th Regiment (9 months) 

Company C, Capt. Jonathan K. Taylor. 
Company D, Capt. Herbert Thomas. 
Company F, Capt. David Eckar. 
Company K, Capt. John Stonebach. 

153d Regiment (9 months). 

Company A, Capt. Owen Rice. 
Company B, Capt. Joseph A. Frey. 
Company C, Capt. Henry J. Oerter. 
Company D, Capt. Theodore H. Howell. 
Company E, Capt. John P. Richer. 
Company F, Capt. Lucius 0. Stout. 
Company G, Capt. Joseph Reimer. 
Company H, Capt. George H. Young. 
Company I, Capt. Joseph S. Meyers. 
Company K, Capt. Isaac L. Johnson. 

174th Regiment Militia (9 months). 

Company B, Capt. Freeman J. Geissinger. 
Company H, Capt. Zachariah D. Morris. 
Company I, Capt. Stephen Williamson. 

202d Regiment (1 year). 

Company F, Capt. Amandus J. Laubach. 

214th Regiment (1 year). 

Company H, Capt. Edward Kelly. 

215th Regiment (1 year). 

Company G, Capt. John O. Billheimer. 

5th Volunteer Militia of 1862. 

Company A, Capt. Wm. B. Semple. 
Company B, Capt. Wm. Kellogg. 
Company E, Capt. George Finley. 
Company I, Capt. Thomas W. Lynn. 

27th Volunteer Militia of 1863. 

Company D, Capt. Joseph Oliver. 



270 HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 

34th Volunteer Militia of 1863. 

Company D, Capt. Franklin C. Stout. 

38th Volunteer Militia of 1863. 

Company C, Capt. Joseph P. Cotton. 
Company D, Capt Win. H. Thompson. 
Company E, Capt. Edward Kelley. 
Company F, Capt. Thomas L. McKeen. . 
Company G, Capt. William Otto. 
Company H, Capt. Christian Kroehle. 
Company K, Capt Augustus F. Heller. 

46th Volunteer Militia of 1863. 

Company C, Capt. Henry B. Huff. 

Battery C, 5th U. S. Artillery — Capt. Truman Seymour, was 
entirely recruited from Northampton County. 

In addition to the above Northampton County was largely 
represented in the 19th Penna. Cavalry ; 3d New Jersey Cavalry ; 
Spencer Miller's Battery ; and less numerously in other organiza- 
tions. 




The Roster of the 153d Regiment. 

The Roster which is embodied in the History of the Command 
is probably the most perfect Roll of army members found in 
the archives of the State. It has cost our indefatigable secre- 
tary, Comrade N. II. Mack, several years of the most pains- 
taking labor, and has involved an incredible amount of cor- 
respondence to gain the information respecting the members. 
In very many instances he received no replies from comrades, 
yet the large percentage of favorable replies has greatly facili- 
tated his work. 

It may be of interest to the Comrades to say that Mr. Mack 
is advised by the Adjutant General of the State that no correc- 
tions have been reported to the Harrisburg office, relative to 
the soldiers of our regiment since the war. In view of this 
the present corrected rolls will be greatly increased in value 
through the labor of our worthy secretary. 

THE HISTORIAN. 



ROSTER 

of the 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 
PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

Coi rected u> May io, [909. 

This Roster has been compiled from all available sources, 
such as original Company Rolls, Simmers and Bachschmid's 
"Ten Mouths with the 153d Reg't Pa, Vols.," '"History of 
Pennsylvania Volunteers" by Samuel P. Bates. Personal in- 
terviews and correspondence with surviving Officers and Men 
of the regiment, correspondence with Superintendents of the 
National Cemeteries at Gettysburg ami Fredericksburg, ami by 
the courtesy of the Bureau of Pensions, Washington, P. C. 

At this late day it is impossible to compile a Roster without 

some errors, as so few of the comrades are able to give positive 
information. Our Records at the War Department at Wash- 
ington have by the Adjutant General been declared very defective 

m consequence oi our having been discharged so soon after 
the battle o\ Gettysburg. 

The compiler asks the kind indulgence of the comrades, and 
suhmits this Roster as being as nearly reliable as can he made 
at this late day. 

In compliance with the requirements of the State authorities 
all corrections have been made in parentheses. 

NEWTON II. MACK. 
Secretary of the Regimental Association. 




Si wton Beaton Mack, Muaiciati of Co, K. Secretary and i rea un i of th( 
Ri ;miih ntal Aaaoi [at ion, 



ROLL OF HONOR 



273 



rO rO ro fO <""> rO f> 

CO CO CO CO W CO CO - - 



^^kHMMWNl-lWn 



1-1 (N MM 



<J 

P 

w 

> 

1— I 
W 

w 

CO 

Q 
Z 

P 

o 

£ 

8 

o 
W 
to 

P 

w 



2 s 
- 00 

O H 

B 1 

>H 

H 
H 

w 
o 



►. W 



en O 

CU C t3 , 

o « «' 
« — u 

c-~ §' 



L4 
u 

a « 



M 



J B - 



«M 



4) ." <n 

> en "^ 

rt "2 

cu 'fl 

M a 






l-i c/l 



o a 



d <n TH i-"* 'JZ " 1- 

K o S <i j g w 

IJ ►-> m „ **! cD «i; 



W S 3 



rt cu en i) cu 



d .o s s d g 2 



> CU 
^ 1-. 
d o 

Cu o 

cu 3 
en Ch 



o : : : - ; o'rr: 



I- h-H CD CU — 1 

^ a c a « 

</) a! 1-1 CU *m 

^•ia H +3 f2 
■sj-« p«S'p 

O £ 2 2 

a a 2 

as *a »a 'pp a 

a tucta o 

CU — •— j 

i3 H S H 



Q = 

o : 
a 



:fcd • ~ 

. en ^ 

a S Wife 

cv rt •— ' •" 
a 53^ w ti 



L^ 



J 1.1 J I 

9'HT 

« £: 
co pa: 






U 



'^3 

M>.S bo .S 
- n a u, cu 
o-'C ^ ^ -3 
o-pq tn — >3 
o» u £ m< 

w "2 a p^ 
t2,t/5 *< ?; Pi 



: w: 



: o 



fe 



r-0 "^0 f O 
VD ^D ^£> 
CO CO CO 



N N N 
, CU 



rO rO r O 
^O VO ^O 

00 co co 



> 

m) ^ 

M< 

CO ^ 

o M 

[VI >» 

w 



^ 





u 


p 









CU 




d 


d 




A 




: 




m 




- 







o ^ a 

a d ,0 

rt cu 2 

U u TO 



O ; : 

u 



w 




Ih 


nd 


M 











id 






d 

cu 

4 


cu 
a 


tf 


a 


«K 








fa 




ja 


CU 




Cu 


rt 




a; 


TO 
en 


> 


en 

O 


M4 


P* 


t— , 



bo 





71 


TO 


M 


O 


8 


pa 


TO 




a 


n3 


U> 


TO 


^3 







Tl 


cu 


W 


TO 
Mj 



o 



u- '■ 



fa 



18 



274 



HISTORY OF Tlllv 15311 Riy.T. 



*J 



fO 



r^ 



t»J 



a 



pi 

c 
y. 
o 
K 

P- 

c 

•j 

►4 

O 

(X 



v 0.. v >0._«^0 VO 

oo--oo---oo---^oo-: 



n. n 
. 00 

a - 



CO 

o 



WW 



p? W 



W "> 



WW 



o o 



W- 



d 2 



CO co 

O " 

-1 
w 
u 



&3 

•« a 

a a 

c 41 
UP5 



S 5 2 

5 1-1 ^ 






HI 

«j .3 



'5 fe i> , 

60 „. rt 
c v u 

a: v. rj 

3 3.1- 

W r/1 L- j"" 



H ^ is c 



■~Qq 

™ «-. 4) 
« *;• — 



o« 



CD V 



n 
"on 
p 
«a .3 



S-S'P 



g.Sa" 



w ° 

w.s 

4) 41 

cj rt 



^ *- s 4) *-■ o 



&P £0 D£^EO<c/2cr, <2<H 



fc:. " 2 = O" " ffi- - : m*3 : : : M 
6; ; ; ; 3 5 o - - - - - - - 



00 00 



00 



cc 



<~0 rO 

00 00 






»2 " 3 



- W 



S £ 



mW 
41 

4) M 
3 41 



3~ E 

5 m « 

w^.s 

v.^2.2 4J 

41 o- n 

CM 1— v{> B 



h 


rt 





>H 






«J 


_n 


d 


s 





s 

31 


41 


V 


t/J 


k> 





M a 



a 





t/3 


fe 




A 


Ph 


ea 


1-. 
u 


E 

i 1 



fc: 



o ; - 
U 



o : 



STATISTICS OF THE I53D REGIMENT 



275 



3 
>H 

fa « 
H 

< 
fa 

£5 



fa 

fa 
fa 

H 
S3 

fa 
O 
> 



fa 
fa 

H 

fa 
S 

M 

o 
fa 
fa 



H 
CO 
»— i 
H 

H 

CO 



be On 



2 - 

2- a] 

o fa 



VO O 
CO *-" 

fa 



S3 

7-1 <L> 



w 
W 

H 

© ^ i) 
hh O 



O ~ 






3 



r 3 tf 



^' O 
3 <" 



— O 10 N t N « O rO m t^-^) -t -+ 10 u"> lO v£> VO f*> 

» (J\ M M M t^ Tj- tO "t « W H 0\ rO "* M 

CTN 11 "I" CO 

,CO'-'' , 1'NrOOMM<\|MWMM<NMloe<CN<N 
U, CO IN -"S" l>» 

...r^OOOioOMOror^WNOvOOOOvO-t 
w CO MM -t t-> 



m OO lO O m O f> t^ m m p) (J\ O rOOfOvo 

g O m t CO 



fNP<rOP<C7Ni-i^Oi-i^f< v OMi-ii-H'-l-0>0-t 

(jo 11 "0 co 



t^MtNl-loOl-HfNWOMtSNlO'-i'O^'^'-)- 



MO^i-iOOOr^uOi-iCOrOOO 



N O cs vo 



« O 



OiiOMO^-aNtNiNi-iioOcoi-iNON 



-/. 



2 ~ 2 



"2 w 



8MOC»i/iMvoO»*5f) M COMCT>'- , NOO-+ 
mm -r m 1^ 



■3*2 c3 M COvOO<NOcjOOOOi-iO(sOOOOrO 



be 

u 

s 



<n 




O 


00 


p"i 

M 
O 


?H 






w 


^ 


•/, 


% 



> o £ 



■51 



o 



M f> 

5 i-i 
5 o 







> ^ 






"3 J2 



J3 a 



£ U 



3 



o *- ^ 2 ~ 



SS^-3 £1 



o a j a 



O 3 



W T! fl 



■M 01 -w C 



M 


rt 




£S 


P-. 


ed" 






pH 


'ai 


bg 


. 


u 


M 


M 


i) 


3 


u 


•— 


ja 


p 


(/) 


[/) 


43 




>. 


en 


g 


Ji 


k. 




CJ 







'Z 


01 










^ 2 "SI *•. 



cd *j 



«|8gM«| 



£ aJ 



= C ii 3 n- 5 









O 3 ,3 — • 



Oh 



Q U ^ 



" Q 



go 2 € nfe 

(/) 3; «i tfl 5£i 

Pi c 



n 5 * 
P O »^ 



276 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 





> O 

C/i 


-f 

c 

OJ 

E 


| 

0* 

1—1 


r co 

cs 43 

> *- 
."S 


5 

w 

T3 
1) 




r co 


_cT 
— 

CS 

w 




tt 


CJ 

Q 

CO 

X' 


ro Ji 
O 


E 
u 

CJ 

O 


'5 


"T3 
OJ 

l> 

CJ 
t/5 

1 

— 
CJ 

u 




co 

X.' 


■a as 
1— » S 

r * 

| ^ 

'So +r 

1-1 >> 






15 3 

a <u _ 

05 2 c 

J2 

**< 

*0 co 

CJ VO 
~ CO 

S" of 
CJ 


5b 

u 

l-H 

U 

'5 



CO 
u 




to 

c 


rt 

w 

0) 

Q 

co 
\o 

30 


'75 -*-• 
•~ 3 
O O 

O -3 
CJ CJ 

— — 
rt 4) 
-C ,_« 
U 3 

"T3 co 

co vo 
•O co 

3 

of 


s 

co 
X 

-i 
oi 

j>> 
1 — . 

4J 

s 


c 
5 

U 
t— > 

cS 
to 


,o 

y ^ 

3 v-. 

6 1 

"v3 CO 

-3 CO 

1" 


V 

Q 

CO 
C 
X 

-t 
^>> 

t— » 

u 

s 


< 

X 

X 

00" 

> 

X 

"0 
CJ 


" 1 

1 ^ 

2 S 

u -n 

a. 
« >> 

S3 



Pm 


-f 
p) 

^>> 

1— » 

s 

g 
'So 

CJ 

u 


5 1 
>> 
O fee 

aj 
ro CJ 


.1 

u 

rt 

CJ 


S 
'So 

CO 


be 

c« 
P CJ 



CO 

co 

I- " 

CJ 

"2 "<f 


i' 

X 
01 


CO 




































Pi 


e 


































O 


rt !r, 0\ 






t 






-* 










H 








M 




ii co 






CO 






01 










CO 








01 




to 


< g 


































to 




































O 


VQ 

CO 






vg 

CO 






0) 

CO 






pi 

CO 




vo 

CO 








"1 
VO 
CO 




(x< 


^ d '~ l 






>-H 






1-1 






1-1 




1-1 








** 




to 


o'£ « 






_J~ 






M * 






„- 




_" 








IH 




<5 


«« M 






HH 






M 






M 




■- 1 








1-1 




H 








J 






^J 






^J 




^J 








^J 




CO 






cj 






u 






u 




CJ 








CJ 






O 







































Q 




































» 




































<J 








"0 
























do 




ft 


^_ 





















OJ 




to 








c/5 




^ 


u 












u 




















to 
I— 1 

to 


rt O 

05 U 






3 








'c? 










< 








'■/} 

< 





!±3 



N 





CJ 


p rt 




S 


2; 


CJ 

rt 


to 


^ 


Q 


to 


M 


J2 






O 
CJ 


c 


JS 


nj 





CJ 


•— » 


•— > 



< 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



277 



££ 



<-> 3 

O o 

u 



w 



O T 



rt o 



£ ^ 



o 3 00 



O 01 

3 "O 

5 ^2 

U 

fin 



_■ Ji> co 



- o 

O O 



o 



« ° rt 
W 



s 



o h 



£• c 



o li 



CO CO 



o 



o j- 

o ~ 



Q s" 



On 



04 



2 Ph 



w 3 

3 ° 

■a "8 
oi o 



o 5 \o 
«S ST 

2 " >. 

o $1 



rS W 



— 


~r 





u 




Q 


QJ 




!- 




lU 


<»i 




vO 


c/3 


X 



oTO 



3 



c u 

'5b a 



•5 w 



3 "3 O. 






cu 3 

Q g. 

W" 

. u 

o 

U •£ 



3 -o 
"> u 



° « £ 

c »i S 

O u- g 

C >> w 

*S o *rt 

> - ° 

rt < 2 

■O 3 

~ CO 



H Q 



O T3 
0\ t> 



A < S a" rn 
X) v £> po .O in 2 

g of S U ^ < 



<J 3 

q >-» 
wo" 



O o 

O o 






~ o \o 
i 00 ou 



Oh 



a n- 



CO 


<s 


rt 




w 


0) 




a 


. 00 


t— i 


e of 
er-in 


O 


M m 




Q2 « 


to 
to 


B o 



'Ti 

Q 

«J 
Q 
W 

to 






< 



a 



o 



a 



w 



S £ 

2 . 



& 



3 

W 



pq 



Oh 



3 
< 



278 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



W . § 
o U o 

S3S 






Q 



s 

8 E 

<u rt i, 

• - 1) 

I 81 

CO < g 

e* 

H 
o 

HI _ C 

Ph o 7 
Ph 

o 

Ph 

co 

Q 

«i 
Q 

►J 

B 



•o ^o % 5? 

£ =2 eg 

O M 

g - - 

P N N 



Oh 



OS « 



w « 

o 
UO 

» »*h 
_j o 
bfl . 

1) 3 
CO .£> 

H T) -o 

_, C « 
g n o 

O o Q 



VO VO 
00 00 



C^ 



q3 ^ 



- bo 



<u n 






rt 



wo^ o 



u. 00 5 

IS 3 r 



Oh 



+ 1 bo 

bo « 

u «-« 

co ■£• 
in 5 

I 8 

C W 

o Si 

1 $ 

>» 
3 



o 

E 

o 

•— 

Ph 



M 

La 

O 

CO 

6 



o 



c 



IS 
o M 

Oh 



p\ 


>. 


N 


c 




rt 




a 


RJ 

1— 1 


£ 

c 


d 






,0 






d 



'5 



^. -^ VO 

.1- S 1-1 

*+H teH 



0=0 = 
u 1-1 1— » 



a 



CO 



o 
u 



P3 



150 m 



g to 



P4 



pq 



O 



c 



Q 
.2* 

P-. 



o 



Ph 1 



bo 



ROSTER OE OFFICERS AND MEN 



279 



2? « 

*3 c 

S .2 

■a 

> - 

'> cu 

£ S 

C O 

cu " 

• fc -^ 
i> E "J 



os 2 



JH ^3 _ 

T3 00 3 

C i-i tn 

3 a. 



« y 



Ph 
bo 



2 i-r 



o 

■w rt 3 

a u •" 

73 
-O cu 



« >> 





c 






03 

PQ 


>' 

O 


Ph 




'rt 






, 


£ 






S 






03 
3 


~ 


bo 

Ih 

3 










CU 


Ih 


cc 


So 

CU 






B 
5b 

CU 


O 

a 

O 


J2 

CO 

>> 




a 











E 



CU 




c 


Ih 








u. 




cU 








•a 


MH 




•— , 








CU 




73 


— 

<u 


73 






1-H 

CU 


73 

u 


CU 
Ih 


p 

en 
CU 




1 


C*5 


CU 


CO 

u 


O 

E 


Ih 


o°2 


c* 


Ph 




Q 


Eh 

O 


Cm 




N 


^< 




(N 


N 


CN 




\D 


* 




vo 


\o 


•O 




cc 


00 




GO 


CO 


co 





pq 



bo ~ s 



ti 



d 


s 


CO 


00 
0) 


> 


*u 


> 


u 


Ch 


O 


; — | 


>> 






hQ 




> 


hO 


03 


CQ 




Ih 


Ih 

3 


3 


O 


3 


^ 


Ih 


(U 




O 


U 

c 


73 


O 




CU 

s 


E 


O 


CC 









Ih 


rt 


O 

CJ 


73 
1> 


CU 








VO 


O 

E 


Ch 


00 






o 



Ph 



In. f^ Is. 



S 
o 
o 



Q? « 



O 



iJ 



E 

3 

03 
c73 



fe 



Ph 


3 




E 


3 


03 


CU 

■5 


cu 


O 


PQ 



o o 



73 73 , 

a 3 

<N| M 



s s 






OOO 



n « 

Ph' U 



■£ co 03 
rl cu "h 



o o 



173 V3 



£ .§ 

cu *t3 
^3 c^ 



W 



280 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



fe •- 



>\ 


-1 


It 


S 
<S1 




'V, 




a 


a 




> 


>> 




-^ 


<L> 


— 








13 



o :=: 



E o 



y « On 
5 B 0° 



H3 



O o t 

*-. o " 

rt — 

^ 'a. 

B vo ^" 

5 ^2 -a 



<U 
O 7= 



a 



<u 



<E 



•H. B 



tf 



<A1 >> 



rt •- 



u 



*j E ?3 



« £ 



a. S? 

u 



rt ^ y 



-5 ^ 



u 



°2b 



B . s*. B 
m£.2 



O « m 

QO HJ HH 

V -*H Q^ r- 

. ° .s * 

00 -w o 

c -o y u 

rt aj — oj 

.y &o « 

Q u 



^ Ph h 



*a rt 



P4 



N <N 


N 


<o 


<o 


00 00 


00 



« Ph 



> 



. J3 
.22 « 



.2 £ 



2" O •= 

Q 



~ 



j> ,« 



,£) vo <u 



u 00 -5 



t- 1— 1 



.O 'S S 



* s . 
■ o '■5 £ 

o t 



*o *o 



if 


C8 ^ N 


Ph 


Ph 




^ 


OO 


vO 


0) 

vo 

K 


vb 

00 


VO 
00 


VO 



T3 ^O 

£ OO .« 

V. " 03 

- rt <-— vs 

U <5 Q 



^ a 



O O 



O O 



O O 



S u 







O 



fe u 

s ° 

p. Q, 

O o 

00 



■5 .S 

•a c 

W Z 

. "« 




O 



w J3 


15 


u — 




*X 


S 


TD 




« y 


fe 



m 



o o 



fe 



^ §? 



O 4) 



.S 

"3 c 



O O 



T3 O 

c a 

CO 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



28l 



=2 > 



^ zz >> " 





u 


ft 

< 

"rt 
i- 
O 
ft 


> 

en 

_o 

u 
u 

rt 


-a 


73 cu 

u 

O 


>> 

rt 

*rt 


rt 

Ph 


rt 

pa 




rt 

Ph 




t 


t-c 




'3 


tJ3 


A -C 


O 
ft 


u 


.s 




>> 











O 




u 

O 


N 






s- 








^ 


O 


O 


rt 


tf 










z 


rt 




« rt 








> 








t . 




£ £ 





rt 


.s 




cu 






— 


<u 


CO 


■g 13 


•a 


CJ 


u 










CD 


In 









1) 


























— 











>> 




O 




c 






_ 







a 

rt 
U 


rt 


s Q 



i- 


s 


5 




— 






Ph 






CU 


Ph 




q 




if 






















S 


£ 










































^ 


CU 


M 









Tf 




00 


VO 




•! 


CN 






CO 


CM 




0) 


HH 




«1 




















T 











<M 


01 




pq 


<N 


w 













VO 


VO 




VO 


M3 


c 


& 




00 






CO 


CO 




CO 


CO 


X 



Ph _ 



en 



O 



< 



^ ^ 



O ^ 



Ph 



3 ^ 

Q 

O re 

pa 



JU r-J 



pq 



-OS 

en " 

.Si 2 « 



M N N M N PI 



t^ f^ r^ t^ r^ r^ 



So 

o 



0000 



u u u o o o 

000000 



rt O 






o 
"0 



ffi 



rt 


.0 


J3 


O 


O 


P4 



1- <- u 



'en 'en &0 > 

3 3 <^ •- 



£i 



Ph 



rt ao 



en 1- Si 

1> O C3 O 

j Pi cn pq 



cu cu CD CD 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



rt 

u 
O 

- 


O 

eu 
O 


-r 
< 


XfX 


£ 








eu 




en 


U 


- 


£ 


is 



pa pa pa pa o u 



P- 



c 


% 






< 

1- 
1 


X 

£ 


< 



< 



u 



282 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



r^\ in 

'u 

ci & 

> >, 











rt 




hO 










> 

of 




13 

1- ■•" 






w5 


^J 






O 

35 *d 






ra 


3 


JO 




<D OJ 






E 


O 




y c 






u 








3 'XI 






OS 


Ih 

<u 
(/] 

3 

a 


V 






U u 








-3 

o 




rt 








rt 


rt 












s 

CD 


"d 

cu 


PC 

O 


3 M 


*~? 






1/3 


Z^ 


OO 


I « 


Hi 






< 


5 




a 


s: 














.^ 




d 












ra 


u 


C* 


o» 




Ov 


,0 


V 






w 




K5 


<o 


it 


a 










T 


< 


£ 


23 


cq 




tN 


s 








00 


£ 




s 






d 










01 












l> 















rt 




r} 


t^ 


t^ 




t^ 


N 














rt 


a 


u 










£ 


a 


3 


o 


u 








rt 

Ph 



Ph 



Oh X 



■X "d 

Q .« 
Q 





rt 
^3 




in 


O 

O 
ON 


>> 

rt 
IS 




[A 


^8 


VO 
00 


-b 
3 




r 


A 


CK 


j 


A 


& 


„ 


•— > 




rt 






rt 










rt 

ft 


> 


.a 
3 


"in 

< 


> 


US 

3 


^1 

"3 


*3 
•— > 


Ph 


n 


en 

In 
O 


_g 


rt 

Ph 


u 






1— > 

rt 


ft 


Ih 

3 


rt 












Ph 




ri 


th 






a" 


"cu 



-d 




bib 


>> 


•d 


r. 


c 


h3 


3 
rt 


C 


— 


3 


0) 




-3 
-r 
rt 



A 



u 


U 

"5 
PQ 


5 

rt 


O 


a 

N 





O 

•d 

CO qj 


PQ 


•d 


~5 



rt 


•d 




rt 


rt 


Q 




<L> 


X 




<u 


X 






U 


rt 

*d 

u 


Ih 

a 

rt 


<N 


-0 

3 


Ih 

rt 


ef 


0) 

Q 




vo 

eg 00 


5 


O 






u 






s 


Ph 



r^ 


N 


N 


MD 


VD 


t 


00 


00 


X. 



o o 



0000 



o o 



000 



CD Ih 

« Ph 



Ph 



-3 


rt 

Ih 


O 




ft 










i« 


* 


S 


u 


_^ 


c 


3 


rt 





Q 



Ph 



ft 



ft 



Ih Ih 

Ph Ph 



O 



Ph Ph 






JC V Ih Ih 

tJ ft ft ft 



Ph Ph 



o 



ft 



Ph Ph Ph 



3 S 
8 rt 

.2 — 
S ^ > 
ft ^ I 

Ih 

<U 

"° 2 -3 
~ *o « 
O O Hi 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



283 



£ s 






o .S 






Cm 



a 





0. 

O 


of 


Q 


2 ^> 


c 










u 


00 
04 






04 



o 



Q Q 



>. 


>. 


r 


rt 


_ 


s 


_ 

3 


00 


rt 


— 


m 


> 


■- 


0> 




TJ 









1— 1 


r— 


■- 




> 




c^ 


w 


O 


;£ 


c 





U3 






- 




— 





o 



3 


0) 




O 


5 







03 




* 


>> 












13 


r^ 






1— > 


U 


<q 









T3 


00 


ft 










C/l 


— 


nj 


n 




T" 


u 


Ph 


O 


r < 


A 



Ph Ph 



2 £ 



Q Q 



C/) 


T) 


Jt 




O 


O 


n 


X 


in 


a 


a 


>> 




(4-1 











n) 




£j 


r O 


r, 


'-S.' 




CXI 


O 


1-1 



c £ 

O rt 

'55 <5 



> 



> _,_, 



ro .2 u 

1 55 £ 
Q 



^.S 



00 00 



<M <M N N 

\p \o ^O MD 

00 00 00 00 



K N K N N K 



5. ° 

1 

> 

o 



« Ph 



O O 



Ph Ph 



O O 



Ph Ph 



V 

n 


■H 


12 


(1J 


.C 








cn 


a 


Ph 


£ 


03 


O 
I—, 




C 




u 






03 






u 




e 

u 




J3 




o 
£ 




OJ 


<u 


O 


O 




ffi 


MH 


ffi 


w 



Ph 



< 



OOOOOO 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



(jj 03 

o 2 



Ph -r 



r - 


c 






."£ 


.M 


J3 


u 






0) 

Ih 


c 


>— > 


M 


w 


w 


w 


M 



Ph 



w 



M 



284 



HISTORY OF THE I53D RF,GT. 



3 % 



■* E 

^H rrt 



be ™ 
.£ J "§ 

St 2 

PS 1; .5 

c 

+j 4) g 



E ^ 
o °2 
> 



e 


bo !2 

< £ 


j^ 


. CO 



Ph 3 
00 



(/1 — j 

>> u 



« _? 5 -£ 2 

C T3 



.d ^o 



u 



"2 r ^ 

c o 

rt 00 

pq « 



w 03 J£ 

s I 

.5 < 

bfi - 



Ph 



aj re 



M rt 



3 ^ 
rs 00 



•? od 



re m 

VQ" c s* 

00 S3 -b 

re bfl .. 

>4> 

r£ re 

be 



o 

be .5 

-C re 
u > 

5 



fo 


>.TD 


^J 


re re 


/. 




1-1 


^ Q 



>> r> 









!_ 




1— > 


V 


a. 








>. 




re 








Ph 


u 


— 






£ 


i-r 




bo 


4) 


^ 


re 


1- 

5 


O 


"- 


Ph 


*c/> 




Hi 



S Ph 



** «S o c 3 - 1 - .c _c 



re O 
P3 



CJ PQ 



*3 3 



r :-! re 



2 (*: 

■S.00 



Q t4 



CO CO CO CO CO 



Ph 



Ph 



3 


re 




_■ 


•jj 




>> 


S 


u 


V 


< 












re 


3 


rt 




_ 


c 


Q 


-r 


: 




:/ 



ro -^ 



re 
13 




bfl 


>> 
3 


5 




>— > 


IN 


ro 






oc 


X 


oc 





5 a! - 
T o 



r^ t^ t^ t^ 



OOOO 



OOO 






ra O 
2 1— , 



M 



u 



hJ 



Ph 



bfl 
u 

O 
<u 
O 



Ph 



W 



CJ 



41 <U <U <U 

re re re re 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



^ ^; ^ ^ 



Ph Ph Ph 



h4 



u 

E 
re 
1— > 


c 

O 


-a 
re 
u 
C 
O 
O 


r3 

E 

Ih 

4) 


E 
re 
►— 1 


41 

A 

4) 


















4> 








tn 







re 


u 


i_ 




la 


U 


rt 


-= 



41 


u 


1- 

re 


41 
4) 


4> 
O 


u 



Ph 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



285 



(/) 


-, 




~ 


a 




E 


> 






■x 


<u 




O 



^ 



P-. - 



^ £ 





O 


>> 


_,_, 






1— > 


O 




1-. 




<U 






rt 


«J 


Ph 


s 




5 


u 


rt 


*■ 




e/3 


1 — 1 


>» 


rt 










0) 

O 


O 



:/; 


!/3 


•- 


5 


~ 


B 


1/3 




>> 


rt 














rt 



rt o 



co S 



a 



Q 



U Ph — 

ct* - '£L 

rt nO 






> 



x 



.« .S 13 



rt 


< 




rt 


rS 


•u) 






^3 




OJ 






w 




•d 






"2 






ro 






<"0 




- 






O 





DC 


O 





X 



> 



3 rt 
O Ph 



- Q 

Cn ^ 



U 



rt _i 



o 



a 



3 °2 



00 CO 



co co 



r^ 1^ t^ i- 



QH ^ 



OOOO 



O 



o o 



« cu 



a 



s K 



t > _> _> > 

On Ph Qh pL, 



J-3 

: 



.a 


3 


rt 


<u 


U 


1— > 


rt 


rt 


_£ 


aT 


kT 


"in 


-O 





<u 







O 


rt 


rt 



tt 



w 



rt 



- 



ffi 



rt 



Pm 



rt 



rt 



UJ 0/ 

rt rt 



Ph Pm 



W 



e^ 






286 



HISTORY OF nil! [53D REGT, 



CJ 



PQ 



rfSJ 

2 ■ J 

: I a 

<e .2 

^* ft c 

u 

" h3 .2 
- B* 






x K 



1— .i» — ^ ^ 



Q -2 C (J 
-~ JZ IZZ J* 



■-.' 



U i> 



"9 ^ » iS 

3 * ^ - 



£ 



Ph 

bo 

u 

3 






>» c 




+■> 


rt •- 


<■"! 


rt 


^ _ 


£ 


T3 


„ JJ 




<u 








i 8 IC 


n 


Q 



ti 


s 




— 


Qi 




- 





B 


w 







.- 






i 


CO 


--, 



Jo c 



of h4 



J2 

u - 
be £ 



.-; 



> 



u 



18 

t2 






be « 



u 






a 




<u 


rt 


•J* 




X 1 


-r 


< 






8 






*l 



£ 



£ 



n ^ cj 

as 06 * 
t-C rC K 



O 



M O) 



C C 



N N 

£ £ 



c o 



x Pm 



=£ c 



u u u 

^. ^ ^ 



Pm Pu 



B 

c 


E 

c 



en 







t 
O 


3 
E 


< 


U 





t— » 




cf 


3 

.-s 

u 


c 


(4 




JB 

E 


c 

u 

Is 


W 


•s. 


X. 


LT. 


cr. 


en 



w 






ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MKN 



287 






3 
trt 3. 



O J3 



E ' 






<-o 



•a 

c 1-. 

►P n 



SO 2 



** x- .5 






8 



o 2 



o 
-a 1- 



<*0 <D 

c§ 5 



t^ g 



CO *J 



< Ph 



rt 3 



3 _ 



O -3 



o <, « 



E &?f* 



>, re 

« re 

3 *3 



a 00 



Q U 



> 



U 






> PU 



•§% 



Q 



o « 



C • 

o -o 



Pi 00 

ti o" 



5 O 



W 



•a »— > 
5 o 



c u 



00 3- 00 



01 


N 


w 


N 


00 


00 


i 


$ 



t^ t^ r^ r^ 



E i? 



O O 



U U U (J 

coo o 



« PL. 



r3 3 



B 

in 



Ph 



pq 






tta 



P9 



a, (X 



2 > 



Pu 



P-. Ph PL, 






~ u- 



'5 O 



w 



9 

o 



288 



ISTOR'i OF Til i: [53D KIV.T. 



2 Q 

CD £ 



1 8 



. E 

rj -3 



u 


- 


3 


E 


u 


00 


U 


1 






J 


M 


.: 


CJ 






u 


CU 

Q 


g 


rt 


■ r 






— - 



.a 2 ^ 



E . 



: , 



w> ,. w 



s Uh tc 



<; 



fL, 



E O 



E rS 



CD ~ k^ 



3 
E ° 



Q Ch 



CM 






** «3 o 



PQ 



1 - ■£■ Q 



3 "^ 
5 £ 



u 
: r E 






: P-, 



Ph 



be J3 



C C3 


3 


J3 





' 


s 




£ 


a 


3 








rt 


3G 


rt 





Q 



o ~ 



a« u 
CD &. u S 






pq 



Si 



u 



00 *-■- 

"t rt In 



a, 

a 

o 
o 



n 
a 

Oh 

a 

o 

J3 



o 



§ a* 

« ra 
OS cj 



E Uh 
CU 



< H 






fe 



_ 



00 N 
00 ^| 



£ £ 



CJ cj 

o o 



CO • 

yj b/> 



P4 



1 2 
s 



In In In 



cj cj cj 

000 



&0 bo 



V3 >> « 



■X 



CJ CJ 

c a 



o o 



~ 



pd 



o 



O Q 



•- c E 

5 o c 

5 M re 

Q ,< tvo 



J2 3 

u Pi 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS ^ND MEN 



2& ) 






>- T3 



Pm 



::: 



.., 



O (U 

o 



Q Ph 



rt 



oo § 

ii ■ ? 



Q 

o. r 



2 > 



;., 



Ph 



$ 



S Ph 
=• c" 



5 o _* -5 

— ■—> U CL> 



£ 



S pq 

3 rt .5 >< 

J J .a £ 

< p 38 






« Q 

Ph 

be « 

U Q. 

. 3 



_! CQ 



;; 



Ml 

12 c 



s 



M 



*>■ J3 



6 I 



"« M 



n) oj 



Q Q 



j C 



tf 



Ph ^ r5 

5 > u 

O t> jj 

§ 5 ii 

$ 8 .sp 

W 3 > 

u M ^ 

10 « £ 

C rt rt 



,., 



. i 
| 

. o 

■o -o "o "i t) i; 

<y <u <u Ph <u 3 

355 5 £ 



a 

S- 00 







ri N ri 

s s $ 


1 1 N N oi 

vo *0 vO VO vO 
00 00 00 06 00 


1 1 1 

$ $ & 


1 


' 


1 ', ts 


1 '■- 


1 ^ ts 1 ^. 


1 1 1 1 1 


1 -^ 1 1 


1 s 


1 



u u u 

000 



u u u U V 

00000 



6 S o <3 5 



« o o 

OS U U 



a 3 




2 CQ 


tn 






<u 




nJ 


U 


J2 


L) 





. 1 







0H 


pj 



pq 



b 







ECU 

1- u. 

5 2 f 

<=> i 1; 

Ph Ph' Ph 

5 I £ 

iu iu ra 

DC K < 



™ 2 I- 1 qj ^ 

15 .« « 3 « 



<, <*, Ph Ph Ph 






1 > 

in <u 



pq 



C 



pq P3 



<U (U <u 



Ph Ph Ph 






Ph Ph 



< e 


"0 


-u 








V 




■ 


./ 


•0 


•8 




1 


rt 


.". 


^ 3 


a 


u 


1 , 


pq pq 


PQ 


pq 


Ml 



19 



290 



HISTORY OF THE I53D RRGT. 



go 



pg 



> 



Q Q 



cu 









cd 


^ 


u 
9 








0. 












bfl 


C/l 


2 


in 


10 




u 


U 


** 


fl 


43 

•11 


>, 


O 


tf 


Ch 




u 


CU 


CJ 





c 


"3 


OJ 


cd 







1— > 


>— > 


cd 


— 


'J 


— 


T3 


-O 


— 


u 


S 


11 


U 


U 


<u 


— 1 


O 



5 2 5^ 



fc 



^ 



iU O) — . O ~ <U 



PH 



pq 



Q Q Q 






O °o 



2- 





3 


— 


u 




E 

V 
V 

IE 


,c 






£ 

S 


c3 



cd 


00 




u 
cd 


cd 
Ph 







'Ja 


u 

cd 


vO* 


u 

PQ 




s 

r 




s 

<L> 

c/1 





G 




cd 


u 

.13 


s 


cd 


CO 

u 


U 


cd 

>— > 


(Ll 


U 
1/1 


pq 


Q 


< 




Q 




Q 


Q 





Cj 



<E 



m.s 



NNNNCNCMCN<N 
0000000000000000 



N CM N CN N 01 

<0 VD C ifl C >0 
00 00 00 00 00 00 



(N.r^r^r^t^t^t^t^ 



1^ t^ (^ t^ t^ 1^ 



a 



COUOO'-JCJUCJ 

00000000 



u u t> o u 

000000 



o o 



cd cd 



<U <D <U <L» 3J 1> 

cd cd cd cd cd cd 



QSPhUhPhCmP-iCUCI(CU 



bo 
« o 

18* 



M • 4> 

* Ph -c 



cd 



<v . — ; 



cd 

C JZ 

£ u 

. CU I-' 



< 53 , 

*J £ W £ 

— 

. cd "3 *o 

W U U U U 



w 



Q Q W 



4> QU 1> X> 1> <U 

cd rt rt 03 c3 r3 



■a 



ffi w "> 



<u G .- cd cd -u 
u o u u u cd 
Uh tu tu tu Uv, fe 



PU 



E I 



Lt O 

•^ cd 



o n: 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MKN 



29I 



Ph 



h 



•rj O 



^ pi-. 
5 a/ 



T3 <T) CQ 



p 



t-H 


n 




Ph 


>. 




3 




1— > 














rt 


ni 


r/, 


fc 





o 5 



U *-, 



1 p 



flj 
Ph 




u 






1/) 


be 

•- 





O 






QJ 




«+- 


60 



ti T3 



OS O 

.2 S y n 

M P 



JJ — ' 'C 



Oh O 



3 
(/J 



u O. 

a cs 

-Q ft 

O 5 



If 

■g «* 



U 



S °2 



'J 



<N N 01 W 



4) ^ C 



01 

CO 


Q2 


^j 


jj 


jj 


jj 


e 


y 


y 




y 




O 


O 


O 


O 


i 












> 












z 












< 




4; 


0J 


<t> 


<u 












fc 


c 


ed 


rt 


a3 


« 












s 










« 


u 


t. 




u 





OS 


Ph 


Ph 


Ph 


Ph 


u 













-n 1 ^ 



6 U 

E 



W 



S g 



ffi ffi K K 



Ph 



OOOO 



<L/ O <U <U 
cc rt rt nj 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



be s 



£ s 



F- 



000 



Ph Ph PL, 






•- O .2 



S 3 „■ 



Cu 





0/ 

rt 


bo 

Ih 






O 



= o 



Cm 



o 



292 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



o. 
< 



E C 



PQ 



c 
o 
O 



Pm 



< 



u o 



— 




— 1 <-> 






1*3 






15 


Q 




u 


s 


























B 
























rt u 






n 




^J 


1?3 










1 


<E 










J_^ 




N 


c^ 


N 


0) 


i 




£ 


s 


X 


| 


U 

A 


O '£ 


1-1 


1-1 


f "" 1 






V 
"rt « 


K 


t< 


K 


t< 


1 


H g 


4J 


^J 


^j 


^j 


O 





u 


u 




O 











PQ 












> 












^ 












<J 




U 


<u 


u 


u 












Cu 


c 
rt 


rt 


cfl 


rt 


rt 


S 


■g 


Ih 


u 


— 


O 


OS 


Ph 


PL, 


Ph 


Ph 


U 
















bf M 5 



< -S 



-< 



§8 n > 



U 



> 


pp 







z 


rt 














rt 


V 


- 


FJ 



S B 



* Ph 



i « is 



PQ 



-o « 



a. ^ 



5 --S "2 -a 






tx w w 



OOO 



cu cl Dh 



*■* 1/3 a> 

rt O HH 

si — 1 W 



co £ 



s 



o 



rt 


v 


O 




PU 





N 




be 


J. 






u 


Q, 


>. 














L* 














~7 


u 


— . 


M 










« 


-2 


r 


— 


O 


M 


Ph 


B 










rt 






-r 


T3 


rt 


C£ 


3 


U 




g 



> 



\4 Q 



CN N IN M 0) 

VO ^O VD VO VO 
CO 00 00 CO CO 



t^ r^ !-> 1^ r^ 



U (J O O (J 

00000 



rt rt rt rt rt 



Cl, Ph Ph Ph Ph 



.i; ir. •" 



o 



* a 






rt HH 

.2 ~i 



o o 



Ph Cb 



fc 



bO T3 
C 3 



h4 h4 h-7 



o — 



£ o 

s s 



l/? *J — H 



S ^ 



ROSTER OE OFFICERS and MEN 



293 



S3 



a 



< 



Ph 



c e b/j 



s 



M^ 1 


^3 






u 


(/3 






a *° 


E>» 


u 











u 

rt 


Ph 



















rt M 


rt 


*o 


3 


T3 
"0 


bo 

u 
rt 


<U 












3 


•r. 


PQ 


Q 


g 


5 





Ph 



B OS 



m 



"3 a 

tU C w ^ 



PL, 



£ 


CO 




X! 


U 






























c 






u 






53 


00 




rt 












N 






< 


rt' 




rt 

y. 


PC 
















rt 


(25 





rt 


rt 




-O 


T3 


'C 


T3 


-a 


-a 
rt 
u 





HJ 


a. 


<u 


<u 


s 


s 




s 


s 


Q 



Sr raw. 

^ si 



•C '" 'C 



r, <-| 

CO CC 



<8 



\0 vo VO ^O 
CC 00 CC CC 



03 
P3 

> 
< 

0- 

o 

U 



C 2 



OOO 



c .„ .„ .„ 
o u u t- 

« Ph Ph Ph 



J 



*: rt ,B 






c o c 



c 
.a 9 



Pi Pi v. 



OOO 



be 



* < .0 
I « § 
c/H w w 



o o 



Ph Ph 



0000 



Ph Ph Ph P- 



h o 



C/i CA C/j 



— 


^j 


E 




r--. 











M 




u 


u 






'- 










294 



HISTORY OF T11K 1530 KlX'.T. 



O 



C 08 *- 



> 





>—i 









rd 








Uh 


3 
O 






be 


! ) 






u 






3 


3 



















H- 1 


--I 








53 


- 
00 


O 


w 







C « 5 



P •£ "O 



53 Q 



PQ 



~ <5 



Hi 



Pu 



(U i 1 



Q "2 



bi 2 
= -5. 

I s 



r*j 



2h VJ 



S 00 

C " - 



_, 3 3 l-J 

* s < 

c a. ■ r """ 

sx it — 

> 



C Q 



8 « 



- E 



w-i .S 





00 




00 


00 


00 


00 


00 




00 


00 


00 


00 




00 


00 


90 


t^ 


1^ 


r-v 


i^ 


i^ 


1^ 


1^ 


t^ 


IN 


r-s 


l^ 


K 


r-C 



000c 



o o c o o 



o o 



o o 



OS Ch 



n 



3 W 



- « 



E -r 



Oh PL, 



■s .5 a 

O <y rt 
> > > 



Ph 



c rt 



Ph 



< 



.3 3 
w 

-» P* 



PM 



J2 

o 

tc 

c 

o 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



295 



£2 

°S '5 
. o 

•M |_ 

3 >> 



j; sSh 



.S3 SO Ql, 



.• u 



^ N 



Cm " 



Mi 3 

ir o 



bfi Ph 



>> T3 >> •> 



s 

SO - 

CO . 

HI ""J 



^ 


O 







u 




nj 


3 


**i 


,_ 







- 

14 


so 


4J 

s 


-r 


N 


re 


CC 






re 


s 






A 


t—% 




*_. 


00 






T3 


O 


— . 




■3 


re 


"1 






<L> 
"0 


CD 

# 5> 


£ 


"O 







•O 


Q 


z 


V 


= ' 





5 


X 





00 




»" 


7. 
11 



13 



& 



to 



£ so £ 

M ** 



X 






>> • 

-3 re 
5 Cm 



CC 



3 s c o » « 



5 3 >> 



c? o 

■SI V3 



•o S 



« c £ - 



re 3 

ft V. >, 

fe 3 t: 

m' i- 

42 « 



re •- -jr :-l 



53 °° 

12 



=: „ o *£ 



O T3 i ~} 
S ^ c C 
r , 'r\ h- 2C 



d 

o 

w 



o 

< 

Cm 

a 

o 



Cg ~ 



oj re 



3 O 

H— i 
>> 

M 

c 
u 

X 



Q 



J 



o 

PQ 



to 



cc 



1*1 

CO 


vo 

CO 


co 


W. 

C 
CO 


SO 
CO 


SO 
CO 


N 

SO 

00 


0' 


CO' 


00 


00 


00 


00' 


00' 





u 

C 


O 





d 


d 


(J 





P3 



Vj t» f- f- 



m m in 



■Si 




bo 


tc 


<0 




be 




r 


tc 


to 


V 




~ 




^ 










^ 


E 


H 


re 
u 




5 


1/5 


to 


re 












u 




-c 


«' 


rt 


'J 


c 


>--, 


to 


•/> 



w 



M 



< 



2j X ) 



HISTORY OF TI1K 153D REGT. 



^ IS 

00 ■— 

. M 

*| 

E O C 

I § 

££ . 

^g as dn 

O *0 c - 
C 1> c 

Ph 



rt •- 
Ph •* 



M 5 



ru 5 -= 



2 *-> ° 



o 



C TT 

.2 « 






.« .2 m O 



Ph C 



•^1 '-r -— 






-g 



5 ^o 



Ph >S 

be . 

5 Ph 



£> C 



C 



<**": 


<^ 


r O 


C 


^ 


■r 


C 


VO 


u 


1 — * • 


X 


X 


00 


J3 




M 


•"H 


M 


<t> 




cr> 


fO 


ro 


u 


Ph 3 


>> 


>> 


>> 


pa 


^J3 


rt 


C3 


rt 




U 


s 


S 


§ 


JS 


bB« 
1- ,- 


rt 


rt 


*rt -> 


j q 


3 ■£ 



b 5- »- 5 c/3 

0000 

Q. Q< Cu ' - 

u u u £ 2 

U U U ^ 3- 



W 2 



-- -£ T> T 5 T 



u 





O 


O 


O 


B 


as 


£r 5 


E 


5 


5 


tSi 


T3 


03 M 






u 






U 


Ph 


Ph 


Ph 


< 


- 



Ph £* 



3 C 



-3 -, *- ^ fcj 



H. 00 
u 



C -■ 



A 


oi 


N 


01 


en 





VO 


'.- 


n 


. 00 


00 


SO 


£ 


— c M 


H 


1-1 





2£ a? 


00' 


30 


e 

c 
u 






^J 


^j 


E 


CJ 


U 


O 





O 



CO 



o o 



01 H 01 01 01 M 01 01 



0000000000000000 



00000000 



a nj cs d 



C5 r/l 



E -s 



P3 



o o 



— <u 



E w 

I- c 



J 



o o 



M 



.^ ^> 



^* H 



c a, a o. 



000 



> 



5 « 



c _: 



o .y .y 

k 5 3 



6C -5 



S Pi 



"' 

Pi 



PU Ph 






^3 -^ u - — 






< pa 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS and MEN 



297 



<*o 00 

C 'I 
GO 



> 



^ O 



_' 


rt 

Oh 


Oh 


rt 


rt 


PL| 

bi 


rt 

- 


re 


if 


5 


Ph 


Ph 


5 


iT 


5 


j^j 


x: 


„ 


„ 


^ 


; — | 


<u 




<u 


w 


u 






p^ 










>i 






•a 


3 


!/ 


/ 


<u 

O 


{/1 

'53 




i*4 




,**^ 


*2 


+j 


J 






d 


<y 


<D 


rt 






fa 


co 


h4 


hJ 


T3 


rt 












Li 






rt 


nj 


a 


rt 




•O 




_- 


-r 


-V 


— 


5 


5 




a) 


w 


V 


<u 







s 


5 


s 


if 


U- 
.--- 





be "> 

i 1 



3 -a 



PL| - 



<T5 



5. ^ 8 

rt H3 "- 1 

u w 



'J 



'— TJ 


ir, 
















On 






rt " 


rt 


r ) 







M 





c -■ 



fcoi 
< | 



r| c ( ^i r) ri 



Mh.E 



00 CO 00 CO 00 00 



s 5 



000000 



CO CO CO CO 



0000 



'I "I <•! 'I 

CO CO CO CO 



CO CO CO CO 



0000 



N r, r| 

^C VO VO 

co co co 



CO CO CO 



000 



<U <D tU O CJ 
rt rt rt c3 r$ 



. H 



x 8 

C/l 



w ffi 2 



qi <u _- 

Js *s -X s 

u £ W u 

« rt « vC 

ca o Q Q 



Q Q 



0) U 1) 1) 



tU t> 4) V 



Ph fa fa fa 



5 P rt 



Ph Ph Ph 



■=> 2 fa 



<". 




4> 


< 


w 




1 




rt 


PQ 


Eh 





1! 











15 




< 


rt 


■O 


-X 


13 


u 


u 


u 





c/> 




t/f 


rt 


O. 














O 


u 




a 












(1 






V 







(J 


- 


u 


w 


fa 


fa 


fa 


O 


C 


'J 


I 



2 9 8 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



« « x 



U 





w 




cO 

Oh 


. 




>. 




j^ 










cO 




1— . 


<u 


1 — > 









bo 
u 


Ph 




CO 


fe 


cO 




„ 


3 






Ph 


r 


Ph 


JH 


CIS 

Ph 


"5 




bib 




. cO 

bC Ph 


bo 


Ifl 


«r 




<D 


_3 




.O 


p" 




E 

Pi 


V5 

co 
bo 


"D 




>> 

4; 




I^» 




1s> 




(L) 


l) 


t 


O 


-0 




2 


<u 




!/3 








O 


4J 







co 


V 


6 


rt 


Q 


CO 


CQ 


to 






' ' 




-73 






"cO 


-a 








t> 


1) 






u 




co 

3 


<u 


> 

CO 




CO 

U 


1*3 

00 





T3 

Q 


•0 




CO 
> 




J3 
U 






u 












cO 


Q 









>> 




Ph 










O 

CO 




.2 

"a. 


3 
So 




!/3 




in 










■s 




CO 




a> 


J3 




z 





i_ 






(A 






u 




JO 


cO 
> 




m 




525 




IS 

Ph 


I — 


















cO 


c»5 


CO 


c: 


rt 


cO 


CN 


— 




-0 


2 
00 


•a 


•O 


VC 

co 


tU 




OJ 




11 


u 





P^ <2 



d != 



"2 "S 



Q Q 



Q P 



a w 



c 


4-» '7 






1 


to £ 






Ph 


< | 














n 




<N 


'1 






.- 


- 


c 




DC 


X 


£ 


•H.E 







H 


£ 

1U S 


X 


X 


n 



P 2 





u 



o o 



CO 


vo 

X 


X 


VO 
X 


X 


X 


X 


X 


0) 

vO 

X 


M 
VD 

X 


vC 
X 


X 


X* 


X 


x" 


x" 


X* 


X* 


X* 


x' 


x' 


X 


u 









u 

O 


O 




3 


u 




O 


u 




(J 




O 








cc 



* Ph Ph 



- X 



Ph 



£ £ 



T3 CQ 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



o 



Ph Ph 



X X 



X 



tf> ,>, £-h 



< 



C/5 






„ 


bo 




j_ 


£1 


J= 




li 


v 


u 







<u 


CJ 










^ 


1/ 


ur 


L4 


J 



< 






J i-J 



J J 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MF,N 



299 



O 



~> VD °° 
00 °2 C\ 

m M d 

>> 01 



Cm 



CO Q 



bfi 5 « 



- ^ O 



•H h4 



1& 



— J 
















■5 




u 


QJ 


rt 


<u 


m 


Ph 


m 












P 


*^j 


5 











O 


ed 


t/j 





o 



Ph 

bib 



C 



„ 00 +j 

C 1-1 co 



> 



U 



o 



b© 



~ .£ -o -a 






*r ° 



O Q < 






W 



B rt 

a <u 

c Q 

> 






c 




Y 


ra m 






bjj-! 




Ch 


<,p 










m 




r ) 


m 




'-'■ 


a 




00 


* 


<*H C 


1-1 


n 






H 


V <u 


00 


B 
O 




4J 



if} 



01 01 

00 00 



(J 

c o 



01 01 01 
VO VO vo 
00 00 00 



00 00 00 



o w u 

000 



01 01 01 
VO VO VO 

00 00 00 



01 01 01 ^1 01 01 

VO VO VO VD VD VO 

00 00 00 00 00 00 



00 00 00 00 



000 



0000 



o o 



o 

o 




rt rt 



Ph Ph 



Ph Ph Ph 



Ph Ph Ph 



U V V V 



Ph Cm Ph Ph 



c 


B 
O 
rt 




-B 
re 


u 




Ih 


Ih 


in 


ft 


<U 


c 







O 


c 


<u 


/. 








1- 




u, 






>— > 




•C 


-c 





Ph 
B 

_o 
*rt 





u 

QJ 

re 
"P. 


rt 


Ph 





v- 


O 






i-T 

i-J 


Ph 

u 

3 
rt 
m4 


u 

Ih 

MM 

N* 

'►4 


1— J 



i — 


rt 


-E 
O 

M." 

jB 
O 


1-' 

V 

»*M 

Ph 


c 



Ph 1 


re 

<i 

.&* 

O 


1—1 

M." 

HI 


J*! 



Ih 

mB 

O 


<j 

c 

O 



3oo 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



- 



rt 


CM 


CM 


CM 








be 


ba 




i_ 






3 





7 O 



to 



Cm 



G Q Q 



O 



o Q 



CO c/j 



7 <M)9, 



Q G Q 



r ^. 




>o 


u 








/ 


rt 




0\ 










1-1 




M * 


p*5 








>, 


;_ 




03 


■~ 


JS 




>> 


CM 


H-, 


c 




.- 




r 


s 




<-, 




03 









u 


to 


^H 




rt 


— 


fin 


— 




MM 












q 


3 


?> 














p 


<u 




03 

■r. 




> 


pq 


>i 




. 














<u 






< 




t/1 




03 



,-4 


- 












o3 




"O 


— 




*o 


•a 


p 


— 








O 


tu 


<N 


_ 


Q 


£ 


a 





<u .s ■- 



C> -.5 



so : 







O. < E 

.B £1 N 01 01 cj ^1 N f-l 01 (M W 01 rj -1 M p,, r , r) 

s .cococcoococooocoooooco oo co x 00 00 00 00 

£ ^ g MWMMtHMI-IMI-IMM M M M hhHHM- 

O c , '--.-----.. ^ ..„ „ 

£ rcoooooooooooooooooooco 00 00 00 00 00 00 M 

„ rt a: 

s OOOOOOOOOOO OOO OOOO 



QJ&V<U<UV<V<U<VV 



(3 S (J rt 



03 rt r3 03 03 03 



«CMCMtotoCMtoCMtototoCM 



E j* 



w 



bfi 



Si ^ 



to c 5 



U U rt 

s rt £ 

l ~ > .fi N 

u w 

»? « -- rf V. £ H - « 2 £ 

SE °> "£ "> -^i ^ "> c - S 

3 "3 3 '<u .5 .5 '3 5 M £ 

totototototototoc/5tt> 



o I 

to £ 



to 



Ch Ph Ph 






C 3 

"5 to 



o. — 
W 13 



b" E .= 



XXX v* c/i 



<U 4J <U 1) 



to CM CM to 



ffi 



° < 5 



c3 


03 




— 


_^ 


w 















a 


</5 


i-i 











,t 



c •- jB c 

C/J C- J-t P 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



3d 



fj 






ro 


C3 


Q 






rO 


VO 






On 


vC 








VO 


co 






CO 


X 








CO 































u 






.. 


>. 






vo" 


of 


co 






M 


3 
















>> 


1— > 






■O 


— . 


u 






3 
1— > 


Ph 

■* 3 

2 .0 






Oh 
<d" 


Ph 

to 


u 




03 

Ph 


Ph 
to <t> 

3 ■£ 


E w 








■— 








J3 "5 


a £? 






"> 


_n 







<u 


£PP 




















O 






"a; 
c 
3 



O 


.5 


<*o 


'4; 


£ 


(U 






(J 


rt 


V 


a) 


i-J 


13 rt 
10 


*3 




Is 


, , 


■ p 


> 


nj 


*3 -3 


■3 


u 


-a 


_. 


_^ 


5 


rt 


T* 


C 


O 

> 


5 


nj 

Q 


3 


5 


PQ 


to 




5 



vO p H 



to rt 



- 



C 



*C -3 <+H 



O 



> 



= © 



3 


en 




3 


u 




to 








rt 






u 


















a; 


O 


CO 
u 

4) 






co 




C 


_H 


£ 


jj 













O 


- 








rt 


O 


-r 


-3 


po 




C 


■S 


T3 
V 


•S 


- 


X 


X 





Q 


-3 





of 




O 


> 




5 


£ 




s 





c *o 



S s- 



^ c 



H £- 



E 5 



'1 

X 


01 

c 

X 


01 
vo 

X 


01 

X 


vO 
X 


01 

VO 
X 


01 
VO 
X 


0) 

c 

X 


01 

VO 
X 


01 

VO 

X 


VO 
X 


0) 

VO 

X 


00" 


co" 


CO 


00 


X 


00" 


00 


00" 


co" 


x" 


X* 


x" 


u 
Z 




'J 




u 











c 


U 




u 




H-l 

'J 




u 




u 










PS Oh 



c <u 



Ph Ph Ph 



Csi 

."5 ^ 

s ^ 

=J to 

Q u 

M G 

<o of 



> 



Ph Ph fc 






Ph 



;- SO TO to 

.> _> _> _> 

>■ 'C 'H 'C 

Ph Ph Ph Ph 



W ^ j= 



< 



-2 jfi in x 



. H 



Ph Ph 



K 



03 -S -3 



w 






,_ 


s 

















CO 






1 


u 


in 












n 











OJ 


E 


u 


to 
12 


< 


J>i 


Ui 




u 


J3 


a 


> 


*■* 


k S 



302 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



a, at 





<U 


CO 


G 


s 


3 

1 , 


fM 




* 


O 


H-t 


♦J 


jj 


m 


3 


nN 


— . 


>> 




CT3 


re 


§ 


Oh 






a 


bo 






<U to 



<D no 

> 00 



O 1— I ro 



J3 J 

*-. ^ fc 00 

ft »S" 



00 jr 



Oh O 



be 


rt 


bo 


a 







.a 


•™ 





to 


rt 




>. 


X 





U 






O 


.s 


u 


s 




CO 


T3 
V 


m 


ae 
1- 

3 



« = M .S 



u 
Oh 
< 


00 


>> 




NO 

00 


u 

5 




NO 

00 


C 
O 


to 

CD 
U 


R) 


NO" 


1—1 




no' 






<N 


> 




O 










re 








X 




0. 


X 




°c 


Ph 




.a 


<U 


to 




< 


be 




ex 

< 


be 




fe 


to 


C 
O 
to 

u 

a 


to 

O CD 

CD C 


re 
tU 

be 


en 

>, 




c 
re 


3 

,£3 
to 




"re 

u 


ex 




be 3 

3 ^ 


CD 


<u 



re 


s- 
3 




be 

a* 


O 





U 


J3 


CD 

-a '55 


C/5 13 

CD 

§ 5 

-0 





O 

rt 

Oh 





-0 

CD 


NO 
NC 

30 



u 


O 
rt 

T3 


3 .5 


CD 

be rr> 

1- NO 


<u 




CD 


T3 


<N 


T3 
<D 


CD 
Ih 


c 


re 00 

« NO 



E 



I- 




00 



p 



u 


O 


O 

CD 

p 


O 

O 
U 


a 

re 
O 


CD O 

H > 
«3 P- 



Ph 



Ch 



Ph 



3 ^° 






\n 



IU tu 

N Q 3 

3 



<: 
a. 

o 



a .s 

^ CO, 

r] « re 



•s 
o 

X 

cu 

« w 

u 
O 
'O 
O 
CD 



3 



>-J 



J 



O 



a 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



303 



C5 



<2 S 



> .2 

.n <u a, 
v 3^ ^ 
fa =3 £? 



o -4 



£ ° 5 "o 



-a F 



<*5 22 

00 ~ 



o. _2 



2^ 
fa 






< 3 

3 rt 

t; ^ fa 



bo w 



.0 2 ° - 



1; .— 

to G 



Oh 



PL( 



.0 '" 



3 3 



fa 3 



O M T3 3 



fa 



a 



% fa 
5 . 

en £ 









fa 



Pm 



o 



^ cu 

<U .-3 

1- O 

3 '- 

£^ 

u 



>* 


■ T3 






"d 




"5 cu 


<r> 


rt 


V 




vO •- 


vb 


>.fa 




1 — 1 


00 Q 


00 


-*-» 

A M 


£ 


rt 

fa 


£3 


in 


1— 

rt! 


££ 
» « 


bo 


u. 

r-° CO 

rt P- 


<L) 


fa T 

u 

._• rt 


K. w 




1 1 


fa 


E?l 


rt -3 


>> 












"3 **5 


"c5 






^-. 1— 1 


1) 

O 


rt \o 
3 00 
Q. " 


05 rt 

■^ rt 


"rt : 
u rt 




1- 


u 


<u 2 


2 fa 


05 
CD 


O ^ 


rt O 
fa <J 


-a 

to 


bo 



.3 ^> 



.3 ° 3 



-^2 1> 

o> rt -r-; -— • 

O 3 



cu jj « — ' 

o 5 < 

c 3. 

3 a! j. 

O U rt 



ro O O 



u: fa 



o ^ ^ p "5 



o 
H 

1) 



3° 



*..S 



rt 
W 



o 



u 



u 







u 



u 



> 



s 

bo 



E 

rt 
V. 



3 



304 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



v Ph 





a 


la 




O 


> 


Ih 


«; 


C 





U 





'— ? -o 



a 



u 



u 



i-c <U „ — „ 



Q 



J2 >> 



> 





B 








-X 


-T 













ft 


u 


3 


T3 




X 






Ih 




■d 


r«i 


rt 




1 


c 


a 


rt 


— 


oc 










e 


•0 


5 







s 





pi 


— 



Q Q 



Ch 



tS 



_: 




bo 








> 




a 


s 


rt 




/. 


Ih 


~ 
>> 


'DO 


r- 




■_< 


u 




.2 










O 


d 





ci 


Q 


'3 


« 


a. 




SO 




j^ 


-D 


(X) 




„ 




a 


U 




be 




rt 


^*» 


T3 


*d 


>> 














-r 


M-H 


3 


3 


in 


3 


u 









1— > 


5 




-> 




S 





a 
'J3 

C 

is 
o 
H 



>«.S 



Drew 



o o 



l^ J^ 1^ ts 



0000 



w 



« o 



PQ 



PQ 



PQ 



< 



xj C 



CO 



> 



Ph Ph CM Ph 



« X 
v 

Ph - 



bo .<" 


<u* 


<u 


l- 




c 


<V p 


3 


be 


O U 


< 


< 



u 



Ph 



pq pq 



Ph 



l« 



pq 



E 
o 



pq 



RO M I- hi in IK ERg AND M|.',N 









• 



8 8 



i 



I 3 



i 



O P 



o 35 
1-1 B 
80 O 





u 


■8 2 






u p 


p t- 




P i- 






1 


u 


s 





r* » 



' : 



I . 
< 






H ^ 



*o *a +j 
P P 



. « 



L ; £ 



■ i £ 



~ »-* 



P 



nj u M 



... 








IS 










n w 


N 


i i 


I 


s s 


8 


• 


o 


J M M 






i • 


O.' 






a 


I ' 1 


i 


i 


j 


« V, 




.. .. 


5 




□ 





. 



oc 85 oc 

i i i 



COO 



I I ■ I ■ I I 
/ / / ■/. / 



ooood 



,.; 



x U. £-, Ch 



- 5 C 

«*- 

, ,-. •. 

oil 

■J r p 9 
'8 

c2 i 
zo 



ro c3 



Ph Ph 



B 



u a 



; . 



• 


u 




«j 






y 










A 














« 




03 




': 


'■■ 


H 


Ta 


rt 


- 




> 


t> 






P» 






'C 


'C 


'C 


■c 


£ 


■u 


'C 


'C 


u 


£ 


Oh 


a< 


£ 


£ 


£ 


£ 


Cm 


£ 



to 

e < 









1 














■■ 


: 
■ ■ 


J 


■:■ 




c 


i. 






u 


■ 






■ 


., 




1 • 


; I 





B 



; . 

D 
"ft 


: 




■ J 

1 . 






■2 


rj 


' 


H 


:. : 








Sg 




J 


::' 


r^ 


2 


; : 


H 














B 


5 






^; 


,: : 


1 : 


/ 




■ ■ 
•r* 


1 


1 1 



to to to to u 






306 



11 [STORY OF THE I 5 3 1 > REGT. 



o ^ O 



■ff > 







o 




^ 




3 




a 











3 




i— > 












i—i 




rt' 


<L> 


,a 














P-, 


> 


■ ~ 








rt 








CA 




.M 




E 
o 


Ph 


PU 


rt 
Ph 


be 

u 


u 



c 


s 


r> 


B 


B 


bfl 


C 


3 
US 


u 


-r 


K 


| 




u 


>> 


o 

bfi 


>> 


03 

U 


c 













-r 






3 










U 


<u 








a 

rt 


rt 

Ph 






Q 


Q 


Q 


5 


Q 


Q 


CJ 




*o 


c 


















1 


11 


V- 


o 


t— 


IO 


r»5 


OQ 


H-) 








TT 


M 


<N 


oi 


!N 


0) 




Ph 




















A 


<F 






































a 




N 


N 


-1 


-1 


ri 


rg 


M 




5 

o 
H 


>w.S 


£ 


X 


& 


C 

35 


& & 


00 





- u 



■3J _- £j 
1- O L- 



u 



r^ U 



Q Oh 



u 

a? ~ 






U 



01 01 0) Ol 01 

00 00 00 00 00 



be 




3 rt 


3 


u 

V 


W n 


.a 


u 


^ . 


>, 


CA 


00 ^ 




c 


w 


o 


a 

* 


HI <u 




K. "^ 


+H 




-*. 



rn 



3 « . -9 



Cm ' 



-7 Ph 

is ,2* « . 

.3 3 

b? " 3 £ 

.3 >> ^ " 

y. = — . <u 

.- -. 8 o 



N N fl CM 



01 0| O) Ol 

vC VC vC ^O 

00 00 00 00 



u 



z 



rx r^ i^ r-» t^ r>. r> 



r^ !>. l>. fx tx 



t^ t>» t>» t^ 



q s +J *: *J +. *J 

E o u y o o 

o o o o o 



C 



o o o o o 



O '_> 'J CJ 

GOO O 



H 



i; QJ i) <l> V <V 



^^,PhP-,P-.PhDhP- ( 



2 U 



'_■ 



C 



u. rt bo bfl !< 






« a 



[i C/3 3 3 



3S tfi ■£ J2 -L — 
4) « 4J rt 3 



Ph 



K ffi ffi E m h2 



Ph Ph Ph Oh 






u 


o 
Pi 


rt 


a 

< 


u 


,_" 






>> 

o 


o 


S-. 


>> 






_ 



H JB ,Q 'Q 

•3 c O -J 

E ^ i -• 



Ph 



Ph Ph 



u: ^ -^ 



3 O 



-'.CO. 






M 



ROSTEB OF OFFICERS and MEN 



W7 



C 



B & 



fc 



£ 01 01 01 



•S < 



1; 0/ 

Q 5 



«2 




■o 




to 
vo 




>> 

rt 


hO 


^5 


CI 

'O 

so 




rt 






*Q 


'O 


so 




00 




CO 




<^ 


£ 


co 




TJ 






CO 


so 


t— > 


rt 

Ph 


>. 
9 

rt 




rt 




rt 
r> 

a; 


rt 

Ph 


re 

Ph 


1—1 
rt 




5 

3 
O 


o 1 

1 ^. 

01 




rt 


3 

rt 
Ph 


rt 




0. 




Ph 




'/j 


[/] 


Ph 




u 


' 




Ph 




Ph 

be 




SB 

u 

3 


Is 

0\ 


be 




u 


pq 

rt 


bo 


be 




t/, 

i 


o 




be 

u 


bfi 

u 

<* 


3 


>> 


!/) 


co 


T7j 










• 






05 




cr. 




.fl 


£ 


|5> 




>• 




rt 


TJ 


*j 


>. 




^ 


Ph 




£j> 


5 


<u 

o 


<U 












V 








rt 








<i> 


O 
rt 


o 


so" 

a. 


a 

rt 




U 
rt 


s 




O 
rt 




V 


6 




It 
C 

rt 


o 

CI 


rt 


•0 
u 


-3 
a; 


< 






— 


VO 


0J 


— 






u 




V 


-3 


TD 


X) 


"O 


13 


c 




~ 


"Sod 


"O 


u 



u 


3 






T3 


T5 


4> 


o 

> 


O 


Q 




o 


1 s 

. CO 

01 M 


§ 


re 


rt 
Ph 




O 




O 


3 
O 


'•7_ 


r* 




! — 




^ 




'r-' 


O 




< 






fe 

^ 




<o 


-r 


t^ 




M 


M 


o 




rr-j 


i s 




in 




N 


f 


n n 


N 


01 


01 




<n 


r i 


M 




01 


*■* 




01 




01 


01 ro oi 


"1 


"i 


N 




N 


04 


N 




oi 


n 




N 




N 


N r 


i n 


O 
CO 




s 




S 


£ 


s 




CO 




CO 




CO 




CO 


VO VO >0 
CO 00 CO 



o o o o o o 



1^ 1 >. 1^ 



o o o 



o o 



c o o o 



<D o <u 4; 
rt "rt "rt r5 



OS Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



. s ^ 
i c is 

pp . 

u 

.0 « 



_3 r ^ 



<-> E — 



3-3 ^ J — 



£- ^- re .E ' 

^ ^ J M 



Ph 



fe 



rt 


I—. 


O 






H 


bfl 


JS 


















a 


u 


_ 


h-J 


J 



re - 
S < 



2 ^ 



« 



Ph Ph 



JH (]J 

U w 



o. z~ 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



►— ^ 



5 1/ ,___• 



f U. t-ri 

in ^- j_ 



X e 



X P- 



?o8 



history OF Tin-; 153D REGT. 



tvj m 



Q 



"H 


rt 


of 


ffi 


>. 


^, 


p 


rt 


1 — > 






rt 


CO 


H 


Pm 


a 



W>X 



E -S - 



O 



~ 3 

.2 X 

Q 



- 


*--. 




y. 


04 




** 






oi 


rt 




►» 


> 




1 — > 


of 


8. 

oc 














fm 


> 





10 r^ 
04 O 



_ j3 *q 



u 



o a 



•a 
c 

= 
o 



*a 00 





,_," 






. — 1 




U " 


>> 






<•. 






























1 — . 






















8"S 


rt 


"T 




K-» 




J" 4J 


Ph 


j 




r 


ti 


- 2 

ic 

S 13 


bo 


— 




O 


•y 

> 




fin 


3 


rt 




CO -0 






/ 


. 









** 


,« 


X 


feQ 


O 




01 


O 


> 










u 






re 






PQ 




^ 

to ^ 


— 




bo 


C 


u 00 





2 


< 


rt 




U M 


2 


r- 


-r 


— 




•yi C} 


c 












C Q 



Q Q 



^+- .5 



c « *j 



04 04 

00 CO 


01 

CO 


01 01 -1 

co X' co 


0) 01 

£ 8 


01 

CO 


01 

CO 


01 


01 <*1 

CO CO 


01 01 

CO' CO 


I< I< 


!< 


ts N N 


rC i< 


t< 


t< 


t< 


J< i<. 


J< l< 



E u 
O O 



o o c o 



0000 



c o 



w 






y.< 



i « 

5 3 



-5 ^ 



<U <U 4> <U 



Cu Ph Pm Zh 



x 



E x 

X rt 

- i^ 



<u <u <y u 



Ph Ph Oh Ph 



V2 g 



UJ 



u - o 



fc 



Ph Ph 



C.J 



c 

: 

[A 


"rt 

e 


E 


"2 "^ 
•-• g 


rt 
C 


4) 


rt 


re 


-C X 




- 


X 


C£ 


& Pi 


Pi 



re ? x x 
J o jc: c 
C/3 C/3 c/3 CO 



u 


bJD 


:i 


E 


C 






rt 


rt 




a 


— 


C/3 


w. 


•_/. 



ROSTEB 01' OFFICERS AND MEN 



309 



c 



m 


ro 


r^ 




M 




8 


C 

55 


CO 




55 




** 


— ■ 


— ■ 




*■ 




_* 


_* 


ei 




N 




1— 1 


f*3 


1 — . 


rt 

Ch 

be 


1— 1 




Cm 




tri 


k- 


rt 




_rt 


Cm 




~ 




8 do 

m <- 
« 9 
S -a 


Cm 

be 

u 


be 


i/i 

rt 


be 






Cfl 


ffi 


T. 


V. 


« fc> 


p£3 


£? 




£ 


/- 




Cfl 










ty 


>. 


O 


rt 






c 


Jj 


G 


, , 


C 


> _. 


rt 





rt 


'a, 


rt 


Ih 



, — , 


V 


"i 


ft 


8»|j 




"2 


< = 










en 






g 




"i 


* 




c 

55 


O 


c 




:- 


o'~ 


. 



Ofl O Q 



U a 



? 55 ~ a 



o 







u 

to 


cu 

-./ 






c 
Q 

00 


rt 
> 


- 
'_ 


'1 

s 








r i 




u 


pq 






0* 


c 


u 


_' 










rt 
Oh 


rt 


-/. 




rt 


C3 


rt 




rt' 


>> 

rt 








^~; 


ce 




0) 




X 


u 



W 


2 








rt 


u 
























Cm 






be 




rt 








*o 














u 










u 


u 








tad 


«n 

u 

rt 

X 


V 

be 

■-- 

C/3 


t/i 

rt 

u 


1 


J3 

'So 

cu 

c^ 


si 




c 


•_ 

C- 


u 

O 


s 

u 
rt 


rt 

Cm 






G 
rt 
u 


rt 

'Si 

/. 






5 

»■/- 



CO 

-f 


1) 

Cm 


u 
u 

01 

/ 

rt 
u 


3 

s- 



rt 

u 


rt 

1) 

be 

u 
rt 

u 


00 


6 



cu 

pq 

rt 






< 




- 






^ 


5 


Q 












m 










I s 





CO 








r i 


^ 


'1 




tN 






r l 




r l 








'1 


r l 


'1 




'I 






'1 


'1 


53 








'i 


r l 


c 

00 




co 






C 
X 


c 

00 


C 
00 








C 
CO 


c 

00 



s p 



w 



o 



o 2 



o 



000 



c o 



n u 
C- Cm 



h4 



I CQ 



•— — 

Cm - 



to 



;e :/, 

c/3 ; Z 



CU II 4) 

rt rt rt 



Cm Cm Cm 



Cm Cm 





*— . 


gH 




fti 


c/i 


V 


£ 








~ 


rt 




2 


z 


rt 




T3 







w 






1— , 


? 




1 — 


rt 




Ph 


•jf 


. 


c 


g 


"33 


rt 

"3 


u- 
U 

rt 
cu 


£ 


-: 

3 


- 


te; 


> 


> 


> 



3 ] o 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



W 

>* 

S5 
-< 

a. 
o 



o & 



<N O 



w* w 



E J 

rt 

i/> <L> 



Ph 





« 3 




E .0 








<S >> 









u 


a 






00 SI 

* JS 

o i> 

Uh *« 

" a, 

1 B 

S' vO 

«J - 

MH (M 



- o 



c/) <D 

■M O 

-o > 

Q .S 



'J 
u 

3 


Q 


-0 
c 





c 




>> 


rt 


"So 




5j 


_c 


Q 




_E 


T 




03 


OJ 


Eo 


!> 


Uj 



w do o 

. M Q 



Q o* 



JS to c £? 



ifi « 



< 



(U 



rt 



0) _ 



0< 

E 

c 



« (J 






O "O 



i2 re 1 



O 
U 



.5° e g -s £ •« 

Pi Ph Q 









-r 






-r 


< E 








cvj 


<N 


CM 


cm 


*o 


VO 


VD 


vo 


. 00 


00 


00 


00 


C ""H 
















o'7 








u u g 


vo 


-T 


N 










rt in 








QS « 


*j 


*J 


*J 



000 



J 



•- m cm 



<u J* 




(LI 


je- 


e .a 
|(2 


K 


3 


(J 

J3 


p.; 


c 
.2 


a 

ID 

U 

■— . 


u 

rt 

a 


c 

O 


1/5 

u 


3 

rt 

Cm 



xrx 




s 


O 




c 








O 




^j 




u 




H - * 




jj 


rt 








•d 


TJ 


bo 


•O 




•0 




CU 


<v 


u. 




<u 





E 


O 

E 


t/3 


Im 

3 


rt 





rt 






t> 


E 


<u 




Ih 




u 





rt 


Q 





M 


Cm 


Cm 




O 




Ph 





bo «> 



E 
o 
O 

ptj 



m - s 



c 
E ^ 



MM 



^ M 



< 



X 



E Ph 



u 



c 



o 5 



Ph 



& • 

« O 

m" '■£ 

<N O 

J^ i 
^ x 

•— u 

Q « 



N 

'O 
00 


VO 

55 


00 


VO 
00 


VO 
00 


CM 
VO 
00 


VO 

00 


s 


0' 


M 


0" 


0" 


0" 


0" 


u 




u 














(J 




u 










< 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



3" 



s $ g 

oo co * 



3 X 



Cm 



u 

C 



00 S 



Ph p^ — » £ 

o 

M be "« =3 



'■' 3 — 






•rt 


-o 


TJ 






1) 


"O 


"U 


Id 

3 




1 




o 


o 


Cm 


> 


15 


o 



o 


u 


o. 











,fi 


U 


u 



O rt 



° ? 
P 5 



o 






Ph 



e 




bo 


o 


rt 




;ii 


O 


4= 




Cm 








>> 


/• 


O 


y 


U 


<u 


"o 




O. 

re 


•/, 










•n 


M^ 




<L> 


rt 


o 


3 



Cm f ^ 



Ch « 



o 




g 


g 


co oo 


c« 










*i 


r 


4_» 


l-H 


r i 




rc 

> 


rt 


3 


3 Uh 








i — . 




O 


1) 


Cm 


rt 


- T3 


cq 


5; 


G 


Cm 


Cm Q 


rt 


Q 


c 


Ml 


u. 3 




-T* 


.-. 


m 


5 O 



o 
:- 



CO 00 cfl 



00 




rt 


u 






IJ 


in 

3 




"a 


X 

u 


1/) 

< 




4> 


V 

O 




O 


















re 






re 


rt 


sti 


•— > 


■5 


-o 


58 


o 


1) 


T3 


u 


































~z 




k S 


'i 


u 




O 


<J 



Q Q Q 



-■ 



o 


*b 


VO 


vb 


\o 


'•l 


00 


CO 


co 


00 












-■d 


° £ 6 








c 


o 


o 


o 


CS 




M 


w 


■*■' 


8 


Qg ti 









o o o o 



<N "\ N 

SO ^O vO 

CO CO CO 



\© ^o vb *o 

00 00 CO CO 



O O O O O O O 



CO CO 



o o 



W 

Cm 

a 
o 
u 



•i Cm Cm Cm Cm 

■S u u i- u 

to O O G G 

K O O U O 



re 


0/ 

«M-M 


*rt 


(^ 


to 


s 


^ 
?" 


Q 




c« 


^_ 




o 


MM 


OS 




n 


(/) 


(A 


re 



G > C ~ 

h4 > ^ 



o u o o 



rTl iS re 



U-l 


, '^ 


_^ 


m4 




u 


CQ 


W 




U 






a/ 








M 


r- 


•S 




u 





— 


re 


C 


/, 


W 


C/V 






(L» SJ 



W 



J 



< CQ 



3 12 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



"« 



> 


rt 


en 


< ; 











, 1 


rt 


<U 




O 


-r 


rt 


_' 


X 


r^U 


^ 



« . 2 <» 



B 


"- 




O 


V 




'~ 






«j 






n 


CN 




c 


>> 






rt 






3 


> 


tin 




u 


zz 


^ 











t/3 


rt 




C/2 


> 


(J 








^« 







3h 


bi 




u 


bo 


3 









>> 



o 



o 



1) 



^3 -3 

C rt 

s o 

Q 



£ a 



o o 



W 



Q Q 



CU 



bo . 



<«-' rt 



*• W 






w 



Ph p 

5 rt 



o — 

o g 

*. Q 

rt 



tip 

< 



rt B 



w 



- 



.a rt a .a .s 

Q U < Q G 



C5 -. 



en 


bo £ 




M 




H 


O 
ft 




O 
X 








' J 

rt 




d 




C 3 


^j 


g 


- 


C 



M O) CN t» 



OOOOO 



CN N tN CN 

VO VO O vo 

00 CO CO 00 



N 01 H 0) 01 CN (N 

VO VO VQ VO O VO ^o 

CO 00 CO GO CO CO 00 



0000 



U CJ V u 

0000 



0000000 



w 
5* 

o 



« Ph 



rt 

I- 

Z 

u 
U 

o 
PQ 



rt rt rt rt 



Ph Ph Ph PL, Ph 



H -a w 



W 



~ c ,y 



>> p 



— rt <n 



- t2 



« a a a k 



<D CU <U CU 

rt rt rt rt 



Ph PL, PU Ph 



5 

•a 
< 



if * 



o o « - 

pq o Q Q 



a> cu o cu o v 



d d d a 



rt rt 



Ph Ph P-( Ph Ph Ph Ph 

£ : : : 

■2 E E « : : c 

H rt rt bfl O 

^ g I 8 i I a 

^ _ «j c/3 W 

«- J= *? 

j J3 ■- rt y b — 

o w *i £ bo _H tic 

C G w £ w w S 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MFN 



313 



> 



> 



w 



Q Q 



PL! C 

a o 



O 



Ph 



3 Ph 



Ph 

?? rt 

5 Ph 



>> 5 >> 5 



Ph -9, 



O <- Z> 
+J R u 



£ O 



Ph 



w 





*/" 
rt 


rt 




rt 


CO 


O 


rt 




rt 


rt 




rt 




O 



rt 









r^ 


•d 


ro 






T3 


rt 


"Z 


rt 




T3 




— 


•- 






CO 






vO 


h(l 




<U 




<u 




-a 

s 








(Ml 


rt 

Q 


u 


/ 


U 

s 





of 


C/3 




rt 
O 


-r 
u 

s 


■— 

rt 


1; 

Q 


O 


rt 

Q 


u 

1) 

'Si 

V 

Q 


.5 

a: 


rt 
a 

s 


■* 



<u O 



Q O 



Cj „•? 



33 <; 



01 PI IN 0) <N 



>~.H 



o o 



rt^^MMMMM 






S o u o o o 

00000 



1 <"l 


0) 


01 


01 


01 


01 


01 


(N) 


5 


^o 


VO 


VO 


VO 


^0 


\o 


\o 


3 CO 


CO 


CO 


CO 


CO 


CO 


CO 


00 


H 1— 1 




w 


M 


M 









O O OO 



o o 



o o 



w 

;* 
7: 

Ch 



a> «j «j <u 



c .-. .— .— •- .- 
rt i_ u u 1- u 

Ch Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



Ph 



Ph 



Ph 



rt ci 



Ph Ph 



i- 1- 

Ph Ph 



to 



Ph Ph 



e -a 

rt 



<u 




> 


u 


—. 


« 


Ph 


►»" 


1; 
to 


U 






In 




V 












c« 


rt 




Ih 

rt 


0) 


to 


O 





E 


_ 



o 



to 



U 



^ •?. «e 






JE ►— , 2 to to to to 



3 J 4 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



<S Q 



1. 

•CI 



Pm 



Mil >. 



c c 

s ° 

c/> in 

re re 






re re i- "O 

3 <u 

"S "5 £Q 

• »« ..-« TO 

Q Q U 



.5 M 



-J 
u 


P»j 





U 


'■4 




m 


00 


u 






'.J 






u 





>> 


yj 



fj re n 
00 ^ o 



" 3 S 






<u Ph 



£ 5 

re re 



O O x! 



.« -= -a £ 



o 



00 



re ,g 

C/5 O 



pq 



"o 3 



W 



r B 
re o 
Pi .2 

u 

bib °- 
u 

£ |I 

o O e 
in *j """ 

re re _-, 

re £ <£ 



3 re 

■s ^ 

±S B 

o « 

re 
re W 



§ .22 
►? Q 



<E 



u 



Vi 


(H M M M 


M (N 


. 00 00 00 00 


CO 00 




C >"H •— 1 t— I HH 




*a 


«4H .~ 




a 


■ « 

v S O O O O 


0" 






Ua 


A ■'. 




01 


Q' i) *; j *; 


+j +J 


a 

Cm 


B <J <J U 


u 


OOOO 










CI 


0) 


r>> 


^ 


N 


N 


« ) 


vp 


VO 


VQ 


vo 


\n 


00 


00 


00 


00 


CO 


06 



o o 



o o 



o o 



z 

Oh 

s 

o 
u 



u u u u 
re re re re 



OS PL, Dh Ph Pi 



E re 

S5 -3 



W Pm 



J J J S 



re re 



Pw Ph 



in 

U 


"re 
> 


re 5 
< 3 






~ 


-M 


u 


<-T > 




ID 


<U .-- 




be 


bo 



Ph Ph 



b :- 

-B ^ 

O "^ 



N • — 



Ph Ph 



Ph Ph 



t/i 



X ^ 



« re 
11 



55 



u. 



o 

y. 



Ph 



■a 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



315 







M-4 






- 


MH 




4/ 






00 






rt 






H 


bo 


<U 


Q 






pi 






























id 






3 


ja 


tj 








•^ 






u 






1—1 


<S) rt 


rt 






"-» re 












re 






Uh 






re ^ 






m 




— 


Ph 


O 


— 


be 






Ph . 

^ bo 


p*i 











be 


,j 




ha 






be 3 


« 




« 






3 


rt 


3h 


X> 






3 -o 


a 

02 


03 

Ph 


t/3 


-6 

re 



H 


c/3 

>. 


B 


M 


>yj 




re 

Plh 


■° 3 

>, re 

i^ 3 








<U 




<L> 


u 

re 











V CL> 









Q 


1/5 


O 




(Tl 





O t 






■3 


<r> 


O 

Uh 


rt 

V 


.£ 


06 


re 


Oh 


re 

W 


re^ 




re 


bO JO 
v- CO 




bo 


>, 


"3 


O 


re 








J3 
(J 
n 


00 
pi 


-3 


O 




3 
1 — > 


Q. 

re 




-0 


3 .2 



Q Q 



O 



Ph 



o 



u 



Ph 

o 

re 
W 

rt 

"3 

5 



►> re 
^ Ph 



■ — 









1/1 


1/) 


u 


rt 





W 






<t> 


^ 




rt 






rt 


•0 


t ) 


8J 




W 






re 




■a 


,. 


<u 


-r 


-a 


06 



fc 



w 



Q 



C> -■ 



(N N 0) N (N N N N P» PI M Pq 01 M 

\0\0>0 c O iO vO vOVO vo^OvO^OO 

.000000 000000 00 0000 0000000000 

VM.S M M M M HH « l-H M HI M IH M M M 

u »; 6 o* d o* o' o' o' o' o' 

rt to 

Eooo oou o 00 u u o u o 

000 000 o 00 oocoo 



> 

y, 

Plh 

O 
O 



« Ph Ph Ph 



u 3 

rt O 3 



x .0 



Ph Ph" Pci 



<u <u a> 



_ O 



1) 



3 "O 



< 



bo 



bo u 

x 2 Je 

w m w 



Ph 



bo 
3 



re re 



Ph Ph 



3 M 

M "J 

< 3 
rt 

— " W 

Xfi CO 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



tu 



^i r- re 



: r h 



Ph' H «9 



S «5 S3 J3 2 



•= ^ T3 



co co co co H 



o 



316 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



"53 



> 



Ph 



v 



u 



P»H 










!B 


O 


«i 60 


v- rs 


JS 




5 >-J 


Ph 


4j 


mar 

sbu 
906 


... 


rt 


rt 
u 




5 "? 


0" 


(U 


■£ <^ 


X! £ 


r^ 


" 


<-> £ 


CO 




« & 


-5 


: 


S 



y 



T3 >JJ 



CO *V ^ 5 "3 



5 £ 



P tf eo 

CO - r- 

M 2 § 



o 



u, CO 



G Q Q Q 



<*: 


rt 


£ 




00 




H-C 






PCS 


HI 




>. 




3 


ft 


t— » 










rt 


rt 


u 


Ph 


E 




<u 


be 


O 


S 




J2 





o 



rt 


O 


Ph 


T) 






0) 










- 


y 


O 




















O 


k^ 


W 



> 



CO 


a 





u 


IU 


v 








in 


t—» 


a 


- 


S 


rt 


jj 


Ph 


rt 



ii "! 



Q 



a. as 
n Ph 



S W 






a *,.? 



IT. 


<E 




Ih 




w 


O 




vO 


fc 




X 


nd 


"M.S 


'-' 


ra 


O ^ 

1) JJ 


d 


u 


tin 


^j 


J 


u 




3 






fc 







o o 



0000 



o c 



w 

$» 
y. 

< 

Ph 
S 

o 
a 



« Ph 



I 3 



Ph 



U 



U 



Ph Ph 



* 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



rt 

4 


Uh 


t/5 

4) 




< 


"> 


P 


p 


60 


-4 


rt 


< 












01 




•- 


\- 


u 


B 










O 




O 
O 


*rt 


t/j 


60 

rt 


£ 


£ 


s 


£ 



W -2 j= 
c 

W 



■C u 



Ph 



Ph 



>H 



Ph Ph 



> 



Ph 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



317 



rt 



^ 



OS CO 



• 3 u 

Q CI 



" ~ rt 



rt — 



w 






M 


CJ 


O 


33 

CO 


'J 


Ph 


rt 

Ph 


33 







>> 





bo 






<L> 


O 


u 




f5 


C/) 


O 


rt 






rt 


•r 


>* 


rt 


Ph 


On 


30 




(5 




j_, 



O r: "O 






"rt 


5 


O 


■^ ro M 


— 


U 





3 


VO CO 




s- 


s 


£ 





> DC 30 

C> M l-l 


Ph 






Oh 





o o 



Ph 



P-H 






co £ 



M Jft 



3 rt 

Ph C 

2 

rt 



w 



N? > 



u 



' — • 





rt 


73 


•— 












-3 





-3 




ft |o 






13 














g Q 





5 


Ih 


O h4 


Ph 


Ph 




Ph 





Ph 

to 



33 
1/3 



O 



•^ 4J 



o 
H 



a <2 o 



w-.S 



. CO CO CO CO 



£ -:• 



0000 



O O 



>H ft 

o g 

3 

o 

73 



3 -J 

S ■- J 

rt a -w ^ 



o -; rt 



u 3 



ops! _. 



pp .&> 



j 



^ a 
v 



u 



3 w 

_} X 



w 



3i8 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



T 

V. 

C 

o 



CO 
bo in 

1- On 
3 00 

>> c5 



u 



.0 O « 

« re _ 

** T3 .Si 

■o -a i— 1 

£ 5 

O S ro 



Ph 



<P 



CM CM <N ^ 
MD O VO >, 

00 CO 00 J 



OOO^ 



i- "- 









J^ 


a 


a 


°< "S 




!_ 


u p, 





O 


.0 y 
s 


O 


u 






»a 












T3 ^) -O rt 

u oj <L> ^3 

O O O JS2 fi 

E B ' 

o o 



Ph Ph Ph 



0) CM CM 



t^ t^ r^ 



§^<2 






. > 



U <0 

o y 

— re 



o JZ en 
p - vo 

§ £ <2 

u 

Ph 



^ So 



Ph 



O 



Ph 






o. o 

t/> 00 



re S -n - ^ 



c <u c H- 



m be 
o <u 



U 



O " 



-W < ^ 



£ .Si £ o 
Q Q H £ 



3 *o 
o <u 

Q 



t^ t^ r^ 



re r. o 



' o o o 



000000 



o 



l- 



0.0.0. 
Ut li s- 

000 

u o u 



j- bo bo 
■S re re 
S £ £ 



o 

o 



N 



U 



Pi 



c 


C 


C 






rt 


CO 


cfl 




<u 












CJ 





<j 




CO 


c/l 


en 


C/3 




** 


3 


^r 


J3 




'— 


1 — 1 


S 


S 


Ph 



C Oh 



*rt ^ hC 



pi £ 



PQ 



Si re l; >> re 



Ih .s _, 



<U U H 

Ph Ph £ 



— — o u S 



? ? c w 



w 



pq 



PQ 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



319 





> 


rt 










V 


3 


















— 




t/l 






U 





M 


J 


x 










u 


.£ 








« 


a 


Q 







u 




H 


< 



•o CO 



c~ 



<JJ c 



P2 [/> 



co 






7 ° «^ 

Q 5 



« r Q 








aj 




ri 


cu 






rt 


Ph 




eu 


(3D t! 


'i 




Ph 


bC 




bi a 


u 3 









u 




3 r 


3 O- 


00 




M 


^ 


^_ 


"7 - 


t< 


00 
00 
00 


u 
U3 


>> 


CO 


J2 U 




w 


1-1 


^ 




. 


% = 



C 5 



O < 



g b 



t; o 



O - o 



= .0 Q 



O = 



"O « 



3 .a 
o < 



CTJ C 



3 < I 

.3 



a ^ 

> 00 

^ Si ^ 

£ o 



<N N N ri 

VO *0 *o >© 

CO CO CO CO 



t^ 1^ tN. t^ 



0000 



r., ^| Aj pq n| 04 

VO "O VO ^O ^O 'O 

CO CO CO CO CO CO 



c o o o o o 



o o 



fa 

< 

g 

O 

a 



« cu 



£ 

. -E 

'I 

X < 



a 



V <L> <U <U 

rt cc cd c3 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



us 6 " 



,5 o 

W O "C 



li 1; - j; 

ffl ffl ^ Q 



Ph 



<L> <D <U U QJ <U 

rt rt rt rt rt rt 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



w 



t- L_ Cd 

c £ £ ^ u 

v > 5 1* C 

O .g J5 jS 

. W H 3 



tel W t fa C C 



fa Ph 





u. 


— 


hC 





rt 


£ 


O 
O 


J 


U 




i—» 


hn 


<b 




u 


M 


43 


3 





o 



c c 



320 



HISTORY OF THE 153D RKGT. 



M 


00 


00 


t»i 


w> 


fO 


■ — 





vn 


VO 


vo 


V.O 


ON 


00 


00 


CO 


X 














O 












u 


c* 


i - < 


l-l 


H 


1-1 




6i 


>> 


>» 


>, 


>> 














>> 


3 


n 


3 


s 



> -5 



CO 



Ph 



3 



3 < | 

tn 




Ph 



J3 «d Ph Pn Q Ph Ph 3 



Ph 



bo 


bo 

u 


5 


O 


Q 


bfl 


be 

— 


~ 


too 


be 


Ih 




.0 2 


5 







(3 


^ 


Q 





^ 


— 


CO 






:- 


<u 


O 


in 


*7j 


tn 


Tri 


/. 




pi 


>> M 


>> 





u 


t/3 


>, 


>> 


cu 


>-, 


!>> 


C 


t^ 




















00 


s«? 


4) 

O 


en 


cfl 
O 


>1 


<u 




O 


'V; 




G 


rt 


K. 






















"cfl 




1 ° 


rt 


"cfl 


rt 


-2 


cfl 


rt 


cfl 


cfl 


cfl 




a; ^ 


<u 


g 


(U 

u 


h4 


*T3 




£ 


CD 


U 


'a- 
tn 
c 





TT _ 
— O 


-O 


en 


.s 


*o 




<n 






C/3 


3 •- 








*o 




= 


j? 








"O 


Q 





< 


— 





O 





<£ 


O 


O 


. i 


CD 


£ 


£ 






£ 


£ 




£ 


> 




P 
























O 0\ 00 
























01 M 0} 



0) oi 

00 co 



— 


.-■ 




:: 


v 


nv 


>, 












0; 


00 


C 


0) 










cfl 


V-. 




a 


— 


< 












-z 


— 


CD 



o P 



01 01 PI 01 "l *1 i-l 01 0) 

VO \0 »0 VO VO O \£> v£> *0 

coco cococococococo 



i^ r^ t^. t-^ t^ t^ 



5 Q 



O 



o 



o o 



o c 



c o o o o o o 



c .i, 
M PL, 



Ph 







fe 








<u 


rt 


0) 




.n 





- 


O 


1—1 


K 


1— » 





- 



w 



o 



Ph Ph 





fc 


cd 


^ 










a 

CD 


i 






m 


w 



U Ul Jh 



Ph 



•—:_•_ 



PU Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



£ 



^ g > 






o 
w 
O 

to 






o c 



c w c 

Li v v 7 j j 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



321 






"3 


O 


VO 


rr 


00 








m" 


> 




>> £» 


^ 







o 



Ph 



-5 



C5 






J3 



Ph 



O 



T3 T3 <U 

P Q W 





bo 




C 


_ 
t/3 






>> 


~r 


c5 





<L) 

O 


DO 












IN 




n! 




«j 








Tl 


O 


1— > 




Q 


TJ 


~ 


^3 


CL> 


O 


U 


Q 


£ 


Q 



Ph 



4) 

2 N 

ON £ M3 

1 o °° 

Ph 



X 



Ph 

bo h-S 

% ? 

o s 



3 5 

o < 



O 



— o 



.S* <| 



"N H M N M C) N M n 0} N 

0000000000000000000000 



t^t^f^^txr^t^t^i-^t^r^ 



r^ r^ r^ 



Q 3 -J 

o 



00000000000 



000 



« Ph 



s 



V <L> <U O GJ 4> 

03 05 03 03 03 03 



00000 



P^PhPhPhPhPhP-iPhPhPhPh 



fe 






E -r 



m w 



^ « j> 



C C 4) X ™ 



O rs 

60 ni 3 J2 



."3 ~ 03 ns O 

S 2 2 S 2 



o 

2 






«r W 



Ph 0< 



Ph 



Ph 



J3 



m 



Ph Ph Ph 



Ph 

a to ** 

O O J> 

rt s •§ 

03 o 

w- Q P* 



O O 3 
P4 P4 0£j 



3 22 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



8 
8 

5 



CO 



o 
►4 

« .A 

E o 

« 2* 



03 

00 ^ 



« In 

Q C 

*o o 

s 



bo 



G 



•a 5 
8 ° 




i-T *> 



Ph 

bo 



O 



> 

o 
•a 



Ph 

CO 

» e 

fa 3 

•° i 

en ;s 

S s 

3 2 



IS § 



.2 Q 



c 




rt 




pa 




73 


S 




a 


E 


>'. 


bo 


si 



fi 



Ph 



pq 



u « 



J3 



O 

5h 



. 00 

s "- 1 



rt in 

Q2 



£ 5 



0) 01 01 01 01 01 01 



01 01 01 01 01 01 N N N 

000000000000 000000 



t^ ix t^ t^ r^ r^ t^ 



t^ tx r^ t^ t^ t^ 



OOOOOOO 



OOOOOO OOO 



ft 

> 

< 



O 
a 



« Ph 



£ u 



rt 



O 0J O &> 1> 0} 4> 

rt ri ;"j c3 re rt ~ 



tu <U <u 



1) 4) 

> > 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



3 

•a 

c 

rt 



£ o 



"° -G _e — 1 1- l-i <" 

C3 3 -~ « X JG O 
P< & Ph CO CO CO CO 



Ph 



a 



bo ju 



U 



•rf >» 



rt 

•a 

W 



™ f- <" 






> .5 >> c 



CO CO CO CO CO CO CO 



<u 
rt rt 



> > 



PhPhPhPhPhPh PhPhPh 



•d 3 " S "3 



3 

E c 2 

SO 



CO 



N 



2^3 
CO CO CO 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



323 



cs 



Ph 



§8 


VO 

5 

CO 


£1 


- 



•"• 




O 


"1 


d\ 


-f 


O 


J» 


01 




rt 


u 
rt 


3 




•a 


£ 


<J 


CO 


"O 


T3 








u 


-a 


T3 


3 




u 


V 





5 



Q Q 



S 00 

s a 



•73 o 



bo vo 

ctf 1— 1 



1 


CS - 





LC 


r^ 


a 










1 


55 


IN 


N 


M 












M 3 


















a. 


















IS 

c/5 




n 


N 


N 


N 


0) 


N 


N 


"i 


a 




50 


8 


VO 


O 


VO 


s 


vO 







00 


X 


CO 


CO 


OD 


50 


30 


— .5 





































H 


i 
a* 4; 


t< 


t-C 


r^ 


r-C 


t< 


rC 


tC 


r-x 


en 
S 


rt tin 

02 


+i 


+1 


jj 


<j 


jj 


+i 


^j 


+1 



o 

c 

-Hi 
c 

3 



o vO 

.2 vo 
« 00 



1 .2 «" -2 ^ 

< Q S 



Ph 



o ^ 

<u _,_ 

£? « 

rt 



>sb 



.2 <N •-■ 



o 



a 



■a 
c 

3 
O 



N 


W 


N 


N 


'O 


VO 


vO 


O 


00 


CO 


CO 


CO 



0000 



0000 



o o 



0000 



_*• « 5 5 5 

c >• .- .- .£ 

n - n °n 'n 'u 

« Ph Ph Ph Ph 



# £ if 



.* 2 o 

t/i £-1 H H 



2 S 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



ij 2 



O g 



. a 



J-< j: fc 



u E 



5 £ ^ £ 



Ph 



Ph Ph 



^ 




O 




bo 


>* 


u 


_c 




c 

bfl 
3 


'u 

O 
O 


a 

rrt 






Ph Ph Ph 



M 






i-4 O 



rt rt .3 .5 

K ti « « 

N N N N 



3 2 4 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



3 <N S 



r- '-^ 



•C vo 

n> CO 

S M 

es 00 



N r> 



~ 4) I— I 





HI 






a 


O 


-d 




J3 

O 






'7. 

4) 


E 



In 


Q 


.— 1 


1-1 






Ph 


P-l 




4) 


(LI 












J=L 


ja 




c 








+■> 


£ 












<u 










CO 




4-1 


<u 
u 


1) 
he 


zz 









On 

O f*5 

C\ vO 

>-i CO 



« . N Sn 3 



^ 5 



Ph C 



T3 CO 


*a3 


a 






■5 


r. CO" 
3 01 




0) 


< 



2, en 



O s- 1 <L> 
• J3 «+-! ■-« 



a a 



o *~ 



Q Ph Ph 





vo 

CO > 


^ Ph - 


05 

Ph 


1-1 


oiE 


tC & 






o> 5 tJ 


r^T 


.0 ^ 


M .5 r % 


3 


<u 




O 


u 

O rf 


•° ±i +j 


43 


-a 





"«? s 


• .w <u 






Sergt 
on a 
(Kill 




s 2< 
s 

4j os 


^j 


MK 


■.£ 


rt 




«- U 


T3 


CO £ 


5 re p^ 
O VO 


Q 


5 £ 


.«h C 00 




*d tJ 


•O M - 




4) 03 


cu 3 M 








ro 


0-0 4 


*" >> ^ 


VO 
CO 


P 22 

CQ 2 
u 1— ( 1-1 


Ea 3 it 

g ^ ->Ph 




Ph 


Ph 



VO 
CO 



rC 



Ph 



> 



Ph Q 



« Ph 
^ . CO 

— MS 



■r 







,Q 


C/3 




On 


£ c5 


I-, 




Ih 


"*> tH 


O 







;£ 


^ 




XJ 





CD 

u 






« 9 






E 


-w ' — > 


2 







« -3 







<+H 


•0 a 


JJ 




T3 


« P 


rt 




<u 












CD 




O 






X 


O 
u 


^2 


M 




Ph 





O) VO yj.C 



Cm 
Ch 

P 



CJ o ^ ,_, 



o -5 1 

SB 
< 



o 



o 



p 








c 




p 









. ca 


o3 




•m -" 




U 


c a 


Ch 




ca o3 


0! 


j 


OS (J 


U 



000 



J 



3 3 

3 13 



<u •— • — 



CO C G 



5 

r3 


V 









a 


5 




§ 


ed 




12; 


'S 


I- 1 * 




> 


w 




« 


•0 


03 


g 




j= 


Im 


h3 


>i 


rt 






^ 


rt 


u. 






l/l 


O 




S 









K 


O 
1—, 


ffi 


s 



o 



o 



> 



ri 0) w 
VO ^O VO 

CO CO CO 



000 



be 








<D 








C/2 


bO bfl M 




Ui l-c Ih 


"en 


y cu cu 


M 


W W t/1 



^ 3 E 

ffi ° c 

•— o. u 

3: o t> 

> .8 3? 



VO 
X 

o" 



c 



« 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



325 



Ph 



O 



> 






> 



a -* „ 






u 



V. -3 



- 



c <-■? 



— < 



b ^ 



« ^ 



"2 M " °o 
« ^ >» 



<0 VO 

- rt 00 co 

rt Ph « - 



p "5 



3 w 

u 







p 


S=j 


u 







Ph 


u 
P 


Ph 


- 

c 




>> 


3 



d Ph 

Ph . 

4> 




rt 


en 


'3 


Q 


3 


.2" 


be 
5 


z 








be 5 
— > 
3 >> 




c 

u 
O 


ca 







a 

u 



a. 

s- 


3 
"4! 
— 


"c3 








— 


"c3 

In 

rt 

o.Ph 




— 

u 


en O 

a MH 
4J rt 




O 


'3 


rt 








O 


_r; 





C 








U 


c 




O 

V 





P 



•a 




•a 

V 




O 
u 


3 


PQ 


_0 


bo 

O c 

-a P3 

4) 



u 


|5 




z 
E 





- 












s 



s- 


'S3 






<J 


O nj 







8 




u 


X 








p 




X 




<u 

u • — < 





re co 

O 1-H 





Ph 






£ 


Ph 




Ph 








Ph Q 


- 







PH 

a, 

P 





vb 


VO 





c 


c 




00 


CO 


CO 


X 


X 


*-»H .E 


1-1 


1-1 


M 


1-1 


1-1 


j" 












q; S 



























« o) 












Q 2 


,4_> 


jj 


4J 


.4J 


4J 


£ 


u 










u 




c 


O 








3 



o o 



01 01 01 CI 

VO VC <0 VO 

X CO CO CO 



0000 



U O W U 

coco 



. • o 000 
•Kb/) 0, a. a- a, 

n 7\ 6 SCO 






p 


"o 


u 


«j 






rt 






HH 


(U 




K 




P- 


— 




vi 




W 


B 




fe 




_rt 


.5 




— 



o ^ c 






o 



p< J^ 



o 









icia 

icia 
ate 
ate 


0. 


u 


"5 en > > 










-) 


<; <: Ph Ph 



O C/i 



?^ 



2 Ph 



326 



HISTORY OF THE I53D R£GT. 



£ vb* • 

•s 'SU 



>;q 



Cfl 



rt 



c ^ 






c .5 

3 •=! "O 

H « PQ 
Q 



E 5 



pq 



pq 



*o P-i £ 






Cm 



Ph 






5-i 



C 



pq 



-Q 



8 





Cm 













Ph 


rt 
Ph 


bi 
1* 




Ui 




Ph 


rt 




be 

Ih 




S 


^J 








l—t 


3 






a 





13 


OC 


«' 


X 

in 
>> 


PP 


C 
rt 




3 

E 


Ph 


0) 

pq 


c£ 


to 
> 
O 

In 

O 


"to 
O 

rt 


§ 


"O 


c 


„ 


S 





-O 


rt 


-r 
5 






Xj 

u 


rt 


•0 


Xj 
O 


tO 

•a 


<y 





y. 


M 


(U 





E 





s 


£ 






Q 


s 





.Ch 



pq 



3 -•? 

. , « m 
V id 

" to 

- <1 



•*-.£ 



• o 



in cm tN m M <N 

O vO VO \D VO *o 
00 00 00 00 00 00 



tN <N CN tN 



a, 
P 



O O 



O CO tj (J U <_> 

000000 



o o 



0000 



« Ph Ph 






< < 



Ph 



PQ 



CO CO CO CO 



Ph Ph Ph Cm Ph Ph 



E E 



X 


rt 


rt 


. rt 


x 
























rt 


!> 


£ 


£ 






K* 






rt 


C 




u. 
rt 


u 


E 


U 


u 


XI 


,£ 




u- 


' 








m 





p 


£3 


re 


O 


U 


U 


Q 


w 



.2d rt 

Q Q 



0000 



Ph Ph Ph Ph 



•w .5 



II 



.. be bo rxi 

r ^ J3 en 

i C C C 

5 £ w w 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



327 



Ph 



Jt 


to 


co 

CM 


u 


3 




E 


XI 


. T 


1/3 (■ 






>> c 





a 



. PQ 



rt — ■ H 



"3 < 



Q Q 



« o 



o 

s •« -s 

- 1> 
"O s ■ - 

.« o Q 
Q £ 



»- vo 

00 

t/3 w 

"O - 

§ * 



Ph I- 
c >> 

co is 

go 






2 - 

f=H [/) 

> n 



OJ CO 



(J •— 

CO C 



55 



o ^ 



< "O 



3 00 



>> 

"3 . 

-■ CO 

. Ph 

CO « 

Ph >- 

. be 
to c 

1- CO 

5 PQ 



•- 3 "i . , 



"5 3 



Ph Ph 

be be 



•n 


2- 


>l 


[fl 










>> 


>, 


w 


W 


Jj 









<u 


V 

















^ Q 



Ph 



5 * 

.0 Ph 



£■ 1- 



S o 
<u be 






£ £ 






~ <£ 



0) N N N 

VO ^D VO ^O 
00 00 00 CO 



0) N N 

VO \D \Q 

00 00 00 



N 


N 


r l 


\o 


VO 


h 


CO 


00 


00 



N N N N PJ 

v© VO VO vo VO 
CO 00 00 CO CO 



B2t! *i 



a, 

Oh 



OOOOOOO 



o o 



00000 



(U y D O ID O U 

•£ .5 .5 .S .£ .-. .-: .5 

KPmChPmPhPhPhPh 



Ph 



Ph Ph 



Pi 





1- 

C 


CO 
< 


</] 

CO 

•— > 


2 


V 
t— » 


O 

CO 


u 

CO 

u 


3 
E 

CO 


Ui 

O 


bi 


>> 


W 


„ 


*— > 


O 


03 




S 


1-1 


J= 








_ 






-= 




4J 


3 


0) 


S 


O 


3 


3 





:= 


3 


O 


u. 




O 


u 











l. 


Uh 


HH 


'- 


'- 


to 


O 


O 


O 





O 



0000 



Ph Ph Ph Pm Ph 



P^ C 2 

= »° < 



Ph 



■^» U3 C/3 (/) C/3 

*- t/3 1/3 Kf) in 

Cfl <U <U <L> OJ 

I I I I I 



Ph 



n c >5 



^ ii — 



328 



HISTORY OF THE 1 5 3D REGT. 



"*3 



M " I, 
- V 



V 



« 2 

-£ ^ t: ^ So 

BOS 

« m a" « •= 

2 O ° c 

<" -m Si 

£ _, -a < 

3 3 <T> 



i- • — 

O ft 

. — ■ in 

"3 o 

c5 3 



rt 






Q u 



3 M3 

5 °2 



tu 



=£ O 



CIS 



01 



PL, 



<u 



<-3 "5 

U QQ 



O 



o 



u bo rt 

£ co .a 

-3 - Q 

•g o 

S — . 

P o 5! 

" S?8 

cs ca l-1 

_,' J3 . 

1) ^ 01 

5 5 



M 



> 



o 



o ^ 
> 



> 



"S h4 



■3 
O 


5 




U 






C8 




*T3 

Cy 

u 


X 



Oh 



Ph 



B | & 

2 *s I 

ca ja ca 

^ Q pq 

1) -U +J 



u Q Q 



a «•? 



•3 < E 
"3 

Lj u u " 

& o 



oi oi oi 
vo vo vo 

00 00 00 



o o 



0) 01 01 01 

VO VO VO ^O 

00 00 00 00 



01 


0) 


01 


01 


01 


01 


01 


v 


Vf) 


\o 


VO 


<0 


*o 


VI 


X 


00 


X 


X 


X 


X 


00 



o o o o 



o u o o 

o o o o 



o o o 



CJ CJ (J 

O O O 



o o 



o o o 



w <~> o 

o o o 



rt as 



o O 

< bo 



ffi I 



cu p* Ph cu 



- 



Cm Ph fL, 



B 


<L> 




ca 


G 


^ 


w 


ca 


•_ 




i— , 


3 


irt 

bo 


u" 


= 




U 




C 


•S 


•g 


4J 
i — . 




o 


\/ 


■/ 



Cu Ph 



u; j 



P- P^ Ph 



j _j 



3 


> 


-3 
ft 

w 






1- 




3 





ROSTER OF OFI-ICRRS AND MEN 



329 



00 °2 



8 






> is 



o 





C3 „•? 



~ < s 










Ph 


cu 
bo 


Oh 


3 <u 
X s 
















>> r 




W 


•O 


■C >> 








1r! u 


en 






cu j_ 




O 


_re 


XI 


O 


■O • 





tsu 


u, 


<U ro 


Ph 




tv) 


&J3 O 




~ rt 




1- GO 




4} 




Cti hH 


re 


t "^ 


re 


X 




s 




O rj\ 








en m 

5 


cu 

5 


re 



Q 



Ph 



•ts o 



en 5£ 
1- O 

_0 X! 



o 



< 



"2 So 



re 

CO 

Q 



. 3 

co O 



U ■!-> 



G . 
re Oh 



^ CO 



o 



£ x o 



o °° 
Ph 



pq 



<M .S 



•g cu cu O 



a, 
a, 
D 



< 
a. 

o 
u 



« Ph 



n i-S 



Ph 



c 



Ph Ph Ph 



W 



Ph 



X 



fe 



O X 

Pi u 



r? t/j ■*-* 



Ph 



Ph 



Ph Ph 



« 



Ph 



C^ 



330 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



E o 



N 




cf 






re 


>> 

re 




>> 
















S 






- 






re 


rt 




rt 
> 






> 


> 




<u 






jo 










re 
















V 




"> 




Ph 


> 
in 












U 


> 




Ih 




>i 


JD 


m 

























JD 




"33 
u 










u 

re 

i- 1 




J! 


re 




re 
U 








O 


u 




O 




re 


Q 


3 

PQ 


re 


re 




£ 






-0 
u 




t*5 


re 


«o 


.S 




_o 


vo 

00 


-s 


CO 


•d 


s VO 



« 



Ph 



PQ 



fc 



°2b 






*US «j Oi 

C ^ -4-J 

3 -O O 

O < O 



3 c 
o 

« "5 rt 



> 






Ph 


3 

E 


'> 


W qj 


be 


en 
u 


C M 


u 




O 






re 






J= 




"33 




m 


"re 


u 


>> 




C 


c 


Jj 


'S. 


re 


y= u 





1/3 .^ 


— 


C <u 


O 


0^ 


O 


a 


rt 


c M 


re 


|3 



T3 ^ .S 
4> VO 

^ 00 -o 



rfG 



»-4 



a 






& ° 



53 


N 


N 


0) 


rv) 


(V) 


N 


vo 


vo 


VO 


VO 


VO 


vo 


VO 


00 


00 


00 


00 


00 


00 


00 


1-1 


M 


M 


M 


M 


HH 


1-1 


0* 


0* 


0* 





0" 


0' 


0' 



o o 



o o 



« Ph 



Ph Ph 



o 



Ph Ph 



Ph Ph Ph 



Ph 



(X 



Cd 



tf 



Ph Oh 



ffi 



n 



O Ph 



. J ,£ J 

O 1 S '1 

Ph CO tC 172 



E 






ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



331 



£ 2 « 

3 .0 - 

^ C M 

•n c 1- 



pq 



c 


a; 














£ 




cd 




>> 




•O 


ts 




— 



5 


g 


> 


O 




O 




IS 




r i 










a; 


u. 


V 




W 




> 


u 


1- 


= 


■rj 


ft 


O 


OT 


T3 


<; 



o 



m 

s 
o 

be )S *o 

n! M 1- 

•C - 5 

.2 & 1 



O 



<o 


CO ill 

a; 




t^ 






,J^ 


te ^ 










1 


< E 










J 




n 


•N 


N 


N 






\o 


VO 


MD 


\o 




pq 




00 


00 


00 


00 


c 






















S 


'£ 


0" 


0* 


O* 


0" 


|H 


Q 2 










U 


E 


<-> 


u 


U 





ft 

ft 




O 





O 





p 






- 







Hi 



~ 



rt ~ 



.S <~ 



w 



H< 







"ft wj 


s 




in O 


rt 




O <u 






•~>0 










!/■ 




£ 


4J 

E 


"8-g? 

i 






u 
V 




1 ££ 


J3 


a 


£ ^ 


CO 


w 


00 



o 



O. 



Hi 



a 






E 

— 



Oh 



cw 



Oh 



« J= 



o 



332 



HISTORY OF THE 1 5 3D REGT. 






trt VO 



3 "s 



J2 Ph 



Oh Oh 



~- o 



Ph 



Em 


9 


fi 


■d 


/ 


u 


>> 


M 





Ph 



o ca 



<U D U- 





e 








O 


a, 


o 




B 


u 


U 


m 

O 
u 


u 

5 






o 




HI 


u 






"G 


Tj 


C/i 


*o 


CJ 


■d 


>-> 


"O 




m 

On 
OO 




•0 








"0 
C 

a 

o 

5* 


<U 

e 




s 


C 
3 
O 


00 
of 


■V 

O 

E 

o 

u 


32 

■a 


H> 

s 

o 

Ph 


00 


T3 
CO 

<u 

Q 


•a 

5 
o 
> 


Pi 


V 






























• vH 


33 




d 


























jd 


£ 


*- 




























cq 

g 


■*■> 
ft 
u 


u 

hi 


3 




o 








n 














o 


a 


< 


B 


























H 


U 






N 


"1 




CI 




N 


m 


ci 






CI 


N 










vb 


£ 




M3 




vg 


'C 


J 






vo 


^O 


a> 


(« 






00 




00 




58 


00 


OC 






00 


00 


V-i 


■c 




a 


























O 
o 


/> 


o 




d 


o 




o" 




c 


o 


c> 






d 


o 


s 


■<£ 


s 


g 




t "" t 










w 













c 
o 

<L> 

bfl 
i- 

3 



be ^ 
u co 



.2 N 
Q 



N M N O 
VO \0 M3 VO 
00 00 00 00 



x £ 

Oh g 

o 
o 



o o 



5 « u S 



be 

a 

3 

. o 



C C 



to 



O O O 



en ,j j 



D .= 



09 



° .2 -a 
C W w 



o o 





c 


C/J 






«* 


Ph 


E 


VI 


rt 


4J 


■ — 


b 


~ 



Ph 



OOOO 



O 



— -3 u 



JT c 



a 



. Un- 
to to - 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



333 



Cj 



00 " o 



rt SO 
XJ CO 



M* OS 



- to 



"*3 



o 
O 



Sre 
PL, 



. re -^ 

c ph .a 



be ^r 



S 5 -= 



— • b/3 



o +j 



*o -o j_, ~o re 



pH 



O 



- 



be 
v 
04 

a 



-r 



>, w 



_s re 

r. p_, 
>. 

~ re 

~ PQ 



o Q 



5 s oj 
g •-» S 

. u 

. o re — 
so Ph f5 

~ oo ■ • -h 



bo re £" 



£» - 



•S c > 

>> •- rt 

>-> o •- - 

« .2 .i! re PQ 
O Q P 



■£ *o 



"&; < e 



«-.s 



H i;5 ° 



t 

DO 


0) 

so 

00 


so 
00 


SO 
CO 


so 

CO 


M 
SO 
X 


X 


d 


d 


d 


d" 


6 


o* 


d 


u 

O 


u 

O 


o 

O 


o 


o 


u 
O 


u 

o 



N ^ 0) ci <n 



o o o o o o 



« o 



2 2 



o o 



W 









4) 


o 


u 


u 


cti 


a. 


Si 


C/3 




u 

o 




5 


C 


O 


§ 


r-. 


Ph 



PL, 



W = £ 



H to 



<D «J O <U 

re re re re 



pL Ph P-i Ph Pm Ph 







B 
C 


a 


<S 


ct 

E 







w 



J M 





N < 




u 


C 








et 


o 


£ 


i- 


V 




OJ 


m 


















n 




Ph 


§ 


'J 



Ph 



« o 2 
tn < pq 



*o t: u: *^3 be be 

C 1- U C Ih «h 



pq pq pq cq pq pq 



334 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 






00 CO 



Q Q Q 



bfl 



O 



Sua 
.S >> 

S "3 



i-T w 

Si 

- ca 

ca Ph « 
Ph - Pu 



•- 1 £ J _e 



rt 






rz o 



"O CB 

•a T3 

3 Q 



T3 

'o 

•E 

>> 



Q 



& 



P Q 



3 NNNN^lNNOl NMN NNNN WON 

o 0000000000000000 000000 00000000 000000 

£ 2 S o" 0" d o" o* o" o" d o" o* o" o" o" cf o" cf o" cf 

§ OOOOOOOO OOO OOOO OOO 






« Ph Ph Ph 



i_i_.s-.i_i. 

Ph P-i Ph Ph P-i 






DO *i J C8 

-» •— > - »-< M 'T' 

i_ • « ca » __,- ■> 

« „• t £ s J2 " "3 

ca • — o -a t_> -Q o (3 



<U 4) 1) 

ca cd cd 



P-i Ph Ph 



>> 

u 


g 




c 




u 





■ _j 


ca 


r 


£ 


U 



.= a o 

4J t_ I- 

Ph fe o 



«J 4> 4> 4> 



i_ i_ i_ t_ 

Ph Ph Pl, Ph 



<u Ph C 



O ffi ffi K 



Ph Ph Ph 



1 It 

4. 








> 


09 

I 

, 1 



•5 c JS 

fe * - 

6 I 8 

c rj <« 

S <L> 3 

ffi ffi ffi 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



335 



>» 


•— > 




3 




3 


t—t 


« 


o 


nj 


> 


u 


fc 




in 


bo 
u 


_c 


3 

E 



Ch 



> 



Oh 



Ph 



O 



■s$ 



Q Q 



J3 


■a 


( ) 


CTl 




<u 


C3 


Q 


T) 








13 


35 


= 


1-1 


o 


N 






c 



o 






C3 *-s 



M ! 



N 



a .00000000 0000000000 0000000000 

> MH .5 

■^ ° j; o" o o" o" o" o" o" o" o* cf o" o" o" cf 

, o oooo ooooo ooooo 



< 

o 
u 



« fL| (1, Oh Ph 



<V a 



& 



X X X X 



Ph Ph 



Ph Ph 



c« i; 





c 


W 




u 




Uh 


u 




<u 








J5 


•o 


t) 


3. 


O 




W 


M 



1) <u 



w 



M 



Oh 



w w 



Ph Ph 



to 



c 



£ 



■^ ^i. "■**» ~-> «— ■ 



336 



HISTORY OF THE) 153D REGT. 



re 

- Q 



Qj « vo re cu 

re <2 ^ « 

bo P-i - ti S» 



rt O -a n ore 

, (D HH ,— 

T *v3 m re re T3 T3 

>♦ c *o J-; • acre 

S 8 2° 3 .a .a g 5 £ ° 

J Q Q ^ ^Q QQ O^ 
s 
r c .a 



ri 



g OOOOCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCOCOOO CO 

o 

H 

q Suuouuuuuuuuuuuu O 

o OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O 






000000000 



►t- • rerertrererererenjrcrererefflre rt 

f* "a .£ £.£.£; .£ .£ .£ .5 <* .5 .5 •- .5 .- .S .- 

*?< « 'C 'C *u *n °n 'C 'C °n - c 'C *c ^ *n 1- - c *n 

^ ■ • :::::: : : 



Cm .2 





"55 


<u 




_ 


«j 


<u 


^ 


c 




c 


C 




.0 


<L> 


u 


J3 
O 


J3 


•0 


J3 
O 


en 
O 


3 


Ph 


re 

Ih 


•— » 


O 


m 


•— > 


t— > 


« 


Ih* 


Ph 


>» 


Ih 


Ih 


Ih 


u 


u. 


Ih 


Jh" 


£ 


<L> 


V 


<U 





H) 


*o 


Ih 


3 


."3 


."73 


rs 


."3 


.*3 


re 





r3 i2 t 



------ =f ° -- M U 



*- C — 'i! J3 

<y .3 d <u (j 



o Ph pi # 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



337 



C5 a- 



Q 
O 

Q 



Ph 



Ph 



S g 

> - 

+H ^ • s 

5 s ^ 



> 



Oh Ph 



O 



o 



Ph 



o -s 



- Q 






CJ 



c o 



« r 3 

S 



Q £ 



Q 



o o 



o O 



o o o o o 



U U (J U (J 

O O O O O 



« s- u 

« Ph Oh 



Ph Ph 



Ph 



Ph 



£ 

~ 
'-•-• 



< 



O 



o 



ffi 



c o O 

& ** •"* 



_r J- c; 



fe 



Pi p^ 



Pi Pi & in m m w in 



33$ 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



00 


rt 5 

5! 






g 


M 


r o< 


00 


bo 


(-T 


>> 


a 




>> 


3 


> >, 


>> 


3 


3 


H- > 


.0 


3 


C/) 


H-, 



«» H ^4 



Ph 



t- 


3 


7"! 




.a 


<D 


r 


en 


U 


0) 


>> 


3 


« 


"5 




.3 
O 



3 rt 



a 



"3 vo 



> 



n r Q .« 










< 






a 



Q Q Q 



.£2 •- >-» 



Ph 



O 



v 



"O T3 
C C3 
3 <u 






T3 ro 

*3 O0 
3 i- 1 



Q Q 



a «■ 



<p 



OOOO 



o o 



OOOO 



a Ph 



pH 



CU fL, (I, Ph 



> 



3 
O 



« 



W 



u- W 



3 

*o .3 
W g 



C 



en s 



PQ 



•c J= 2 ^ 

t/> W Xfi KSx 



fr* *- 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



339 



o 

H 



a 

i— i 



PL, 



o 



< 



Ph 



O 



53 -3 

4) 4> 

a o 

u 



3 ~i 

a^2 



J3 H 



< 3 



"J 00 CO 

VO J HI M 



Q o 



0) rj 

oo oo 



►" ' I— > 
Oh 

O 

o 



o o o o 



a. 

S 
o 
a 



a 5 5 E? 

C — _ 

n rt +■> p h-h 



W 






o 2 



*iS 



o 



rt 



—1 ^ 

5 



bo 
4> 



Ph 



Oh £> 

n O 






1— 


rt 


— 


— 


u 






rt 


O 


T3 


^ 


<u 


*o 


1) 


O 


Q 


U 


5 


£ 





r>i o) n 
vo vo vo 

GO 00 00 



o o o 



C/} tfi C/i 



•— 0; 



o pq 





C 




o 




C/l 


rt 




> 


ft 


„ 


. 


_o 


> 

— 


.™ 


JZ 



° c 



° 5 



u 



oo « g* 



O 7Z 



rt 




o 


hJ < 


Ph 




O 


o • 


be 






rt 


u 




a 


-j Ph 


3 




u 


rt 


.0 CO 




O 


o c 


c/; O 




a. 


>> a 




Im 


a. % 


4> 

a ^ 




o 
U 


o 2 
o c 

4( 


rt c 




o 


s^ 


- rt 




•a 

4) 


T3 -M 

4> rt 










"D ^ 




o 


O t3 


5 « 


*o 


£ 


P 4i 


£ Q 


rt 


o 


£Q 


£ 


Q 


Ph 


Ph 



N 


01 


01 


N 


N 


01 


VO 


VQ 


VO 


VO 


VO 


•o 


CO 


CO 


CO 


CO 


cc 


00 



o o o o o 



o o 



o o o 
DUO 



3 ** 



PQ 






J0 £ 

5 -9 



^ « w 



►4 



C 



u 



340 



HISTORY OF THE 153D R£GT. 



J3 



to . 



O a 



i?Q 



G 



f-1 



« ,9 



U 5 



W 



TJ 




1> 


- 


O 


— 


E 


U 




u 


-J 


Ph 





o >? 



^H 



to 



pq 



. o 

(u bo g 1 

P u " 



a t) •- o 



vn 


_i3 




jy 


>> 


in 


Q 


co 












0) 






— . 


O 




- 


— 

1) 




— 










« 




m 


Q 



" o 



o 



"Q 



TO 

u 



Q 



> "c 3 



=3 -TJ rt 





> 


— 






to 




n 










Pl. 


V 


to 



o u^ 



< «a 



Pi 
b£ 



O 



v \o v 



)0 . -a — 1 a 



to g „ ^ 



h to ^ 



S bO 

p p 


3 




















P! "5 


O 

pq 
















TO <y 






P O 


TO 




(« 


T3 




B to 


<u 




S *o 


Q 


n 


-w T3 




- 










VI 




"J Pi 


ot 


-r 



£ < 



a, 


«| 




a 










"i 


n 




vn 


& 




00 









H 


£ 


H 


T) 




1-1 


U 


Q 2 


^j 


'..-; 


fa 




n 




U 



n o) i>) n o) <vj 



n 01 M N 



O O 



OOOOOO OOOO 



OS O 



pq' 



o 
U 



< 



to 



4) <D <D V W <L> 



Ph Qh Ph Ph Qh Ph 



i-J — T! P. 



0J <U (U <y 



to Ph Ph 



to 
to E 



pq 


'3 

Pi 


bO 
s- 
O 
u 




to 


E 

TO 


E 

TO 


1 

TO 

CO 


5 

4) 


*— > 

bo 


> 


Q 


c 



1—1 


i 


- 


ni 


„ 




•— » 














Ih 


_■ 


c 


_x 


-3 


L. 


N 


p 


y 


J3 




y 










u 








TO 


u. 




Ih 


L_ 


1- 


TO 




to 


< 


< 


PQ 


pq 


pq 


pq 


pq 


pq 


pq 


O 


CJ 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



341 



S - 33 

r s » 

rt O M 

> .23 - 

r u N 
= >> 'J 



«3 o 



c "5 w . ° 



■a J9 „ 

1*3.5 J 

~* rt cu 

u <£ *% 

S eu 



v 



q. =2 

rt 

u 



1 s i <s 



Oh 

en 

o 



P3 
E 

. CO 






'rt 



bo u 

11: 



>> 


u 


H 


12 


^ 


Q 





rt 




O 






^ 


-r 


t*3 


r; 


12 


C 


T-j 


2 


50 



00 *j ~ 



co co 



o o 



^ 'C 



CO -^ ,- 



o <£ 



'C 

c 


0) 


1— > 


O 

cu 


rt 
> 


Ph 




v 








O 


>> 

.0 


eu 

Q 


rt 


en 


eu 


a 

eu 












O 
u 


J 


r 


bo 


^j 


en 
u 




rt 


u 


rt 


O 




rj 


Ph 






~ 


O 
















„ 


en 


ci 


^ 


TJ 


C 


>> 


."H 


g 




V 


£ 


*j 


a 


rt 


.— 


•-S 


O 

en 


4J 

O 


6 


O 


z 














'J 


O 

Ph 


rt 


•= 


rt 


5 










-a 


♦N^ 


n 


rt 


I) 


en 



u 


30 



u « tfl O ^ 



> 



o c 



rt N " 
u 



G Q 



Ph 

bo 



C 



T3 -O 



■a -o 
c « 

— eu 



OOO 



fc 



o 



OOO 





cu 


u 


eu 










c 


a 


rt 


rt 


> 












n 








OS 


Ch 


Ph 


CM 



£ E 

« rt 



o _, 

rt B 

< I 

. rt 

<u c/1 



Ph Ph 



C 



o 



o 



.a s 

8 H 

J2 « 



Ph Ph Ph 






.5 S 

en « 



O 



U Q 



bp 



ta & 



Uh 



tn fc, fe 



to te ffi 



342 



HISTORY OF THE I53D REGT. 



00 g 



°2 o 






3 



jS o 



pH 



03 









o 



rt 






S -o 



^3 



OJ 00 

3 „ 

a. N 



rt 



03 

Ph 

s 



•a S JJ 

rt i « 



_ =5 -rt *0 

8 k° '> .Si S 
Q & Q Q 



Ph 



O 



3 3 3 3 



Ph rt Ph ts 

bo _ bfl_ 

•2 a! j-j ca 

£> -s .0 -a 

m o< (/j a. 

S o s 2 
o 



O 



W 3 



e in oJ 

o < Q 



.0 

J? 




> 



•ST < n 



u-. c 



^1 


N 


N 


01 0) 


N 


N 


N 


<N 


N 




vo 


vO 


VO VO 


vn 


« 


■-"'• 


vo 


VO 


00 


CO 


00 


00 00 


00 


J. 


56 


00 


00 



N M N N N 

VO VO VO VO VO 

00 CO 00 00 00 



fl3 J 



OO OOOOOOO 



U CJ 'J o u 

00000 



« Ph 



pq 

<u 
. bo 

v u 
E ° 

a O 



o 

pq 



Ph 



0^0000^ 

03 03 03 o3 r3 03 03 
>>>>>>> 



Ph Ph 



X ^ 



W 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



ffi 



•C ~ 



Ph 



c <u w bo cs <u 
o i> c o 33 ^-> 

o w 5 ^ * 



W M M w W J 



Ph 



?3 oJ a! 






Ph Ph pL, Ph Ph 



3 : £ x £ w 






s 


Ph 






C 


>- 


u 


O 


D 


il 


c 


>. 


(/) 


u 











ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



343 



CO c<3 
vO VO 
CO CO 



oo CO ^ 



><£ f 3 



0/ 0) 

ii o 

-2 5? 

*o S3 

C m 

S3 « 

rt Q 



Ph PL, 

bo bo 



o o 



c: as 



> 

r o 



rt ^ .S 



Ph 



x> Z "3 



O 



O 



Oh 



O 



> 



> 



5 



cs 



W O 



U 



-3 cu = ■" 

OQ 



o Q 



& 3 -S 






£ Q 



S "5 

z! *£> 


"0 


*a 


2 ^o 


& <*> 


rt 


rt 


a, °° 


aj 


<u 


<u 


rt " 


J 


Q 


Q 


u 



CU 


-?2 


























A 














•x 




N 


N 


N 


N 


tN 


a 




\o 


VO 


vo 


VO 


O 


i= 




00 


00 


CO 


CO 


DO 














O 














H 


o £ 


i_- 


-f 


_r 


hh" 


M 


TJ 


CO W 


1-1 


1-1 


rt 


1-1 


1-1 


01 


Q2 


^j 


^J 


^J 


^J 


hJ 


id 
a 


B 


(J 


<J 


'J 


CJ 


U 




o 


O 


o 


o 


O 



o o o o 



n 53 N 

vo )0 VO 

CO CO CO 



O O O O 



~ : — — — 
« Oh o_ a. 



« PP 



c .i; 



3 J3 «S 

.£ ° w 

TJ •"£ .« 

2 Ph P-. 



Oh Oh 



JS « 



CO to 

<D cu 
P* Ph" 



0- 



O 



o^ 



& 



v <o v o 

rt rt rt rt 



Ph Ph Ph Oh 



< 



5 & -5 s 

m in xn x/i 



CD <U 4) 4> 

rt cd rt cs 



Ph Ph Oh Ph 



- ^ co 
> -; bO rt 

»" G U, r" 



^g 



N *g "O "O 

cu -ii C rt 

CO GO CO CO 



344 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 







NO 
CO 







> 




C 

ON 


s 
1—. 




,-r 


u 






1- 


PC 


O" 


rt 




1 — . 


3 




en 


X 


c 


cu 








~ 


M " 


ft 


2* 




rt 


rt 







_>, 


< 






Ph 


&> 







1— > 


rt 
Ph 






be 
u 
3 
.a 


0) 




t«5 


rt 
Ph 


<u 






en 










u 




>> 


^ 




*" H 


bo 


en 







CD 






c' 


■~~ 


* 







O 






1-1 


— 

en 


c3 


*3 




^_, 


5 




>> 


>. 


'X 


.s 


CO 


rt 

■ 13 


~ 


-r 


I— > 




rt 


"0 


O -3 
ON rt 
1-1 cU 


*3 D 


en 

^1 


Q 




rt 


13 
lU 



- > > 



3 



.5- <i 



Q Q 14 < 



o 2 



rt S 

P* s 






^ Q 

"7 "^ "O <ri ^ 

^ £ o o o , 

^ CO i- CO ON "w 

^ TO 



v. en 

|5 



Ph 



£>Ph 



*- ft *- 



S .« — ° 

.0 S s 



u 



Q U 



[/] 


CN 


tN 


CN 


CN 


cN 


n 


NO 


O 


VC 


vo 


C 


f 


. CO 


CO 


X 


X 


X 

























H 




*H 


m" 


_" 


_," 


3 




1-1 


1-1 


1-1 


1-1 


"3 












i= 


CJ 


O 





CJ 




O 





O 


O 






o o 



c o 



£ "5 



cu <u <u eu 
rt rt rt rt 



« £ £ £ £ £ 



Ph 



Ph Ph 





CT 


< 

a 

r 




l\ 




CT 


rt 



Ph 



P4 



Ph 



Ph Ph 



o ^ 
P< 



^ j ^ « 
m m in in 



o 

Eh 



> 






ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



345 



W E £ 



> 






00 


o 


-.[ 


to 






V 


< 


O 


• = 


c 


c3 

•d 


00 


to 


rt 


MH 

o 




<u 


P 






Ph 






u- 




30 
0) 


to 


s-T 
O 


<u 


rt 


pq 


fO 






bo 








vn 














X 


<u 


Cfl 


cC 


-s 


P 


x 



« Q « pq 





o 








a 


5 


TO 






a 






V 

to 


P 


5 


P 






(H 






^ 












0J 






W 


o 

"So 


o 
g 


c 


c 

3 




O 






d 




o 

s- 


X 


x 


I— 1 


OJ 






Ph 




to 






to 






d 












-t-> 
















pq 


a. 

0) 


(LI 

so 


u 


01 




01 






to 


u 
M 


< 


- 


CM 




01 






l-i 


er> 






55 




CO 






cu 


vO 
















* 


CO 


o 


u 


M - 




in 






o 

tol 


rO 




V 


M 











M 3 

i — > 

cu 5 

s 8 

© d 



Q2« 
- u 

o 



OS O 



pq 



oS fi 



Ph 



£ ■" rt to 1 

P to < -a 



to 



Ph 



a 



to 



o 



i- rt 



u £ 



o c 
O rt 



<u ~ s VO 



to co 



01 01 CM 0) 



c o o o o 



bO be bO bo 



h m tn t/i tfi 



o 

pq 

to + 



3 "* < 



O 



to 





S 


o 


CJ 




PQ 


1 — 


•— > 




< 


Cfi 


g 




O 


- 














to 


to 


< 



' < 



> 



o - to co 

U 01 — pi 



to 



to 



346 



HISTORY OF THE 153D REGT. 



2^ ~ 



•O Oh 



8 



n cO 
S Oh 



pq 






ii <" 
« Si 

o-S 

_, o 

"co fin 



c 00 



ii? 






s £ 



.Si « 
Q 



to - 



• T3 

8 5 



0) o 



to -» . 

• ID 

a -o ^ « 

<L> CD 

"C -C J3 

en °^ Tt 

to c*5 to 



O en 

•- o 

a! .fi 

V3 s 



m < 



co \o 

.-£ co 

•" J5 en 

■s s 2 



4-. O 



1— > c .2 



co '" H 



3 00 

*j CO 



e/j '" H 

o « 

* CO 

C M 

jj « 

G to 

"> t2 

.0 co 



> 



E "5 

CO J3 



to 



to 



< 



< 



Q Q 



a -•? 



j? <* 



s ~~ ~ ~ 



Q2« 
O 



OOO 






c 

O C 

J5 O 

S co 

< < 



o 
U 



tf 



a 



w 



u 



o 



a, 



J3 


en 


M 


."ti 


2 


Ih 


E 


"0 


CQ 


w 


O 


C 


>> 


r> 



o 



— 
o 

c 



CO 4> 






CO 


CO 


'en 


_> 


_> 


3 


Ih 


'C 


§ 


to 


Ph 



to 
c 
o 



E £ 



E •* •* 

< < < 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



347 



oo 55 



C~> _T 



cd, 







o 




o 
bp 


O 


O 






^J 






^_» 


-i-t 






nj 




rt 


rt 


rt 






•o 




CQ 


•a 


T3 






<u 






o> 


<D 


^— * 




-r 


T3 


cfl 


-r 


T3 


"y 






rt 






C 


\j 




3 


<u 


•o 


3 


3 






O 


Q 


<U 


o 


O 






> 




5 


£ 


£ 


8 














Q 


d 














C3 u 


~r 




ro 


o 


C\ 


i 


u 1? 


N 




0) 


<M 


1-H 



? <E 



& o 

o 
.4 



r? 



«-; P_, P-| ro 

S bi M h f^ 

J x! ^ vo bo 

-5° en en i-i u 

£ ji ra ^ 



< 



O 



N <M N <N P» N 

VO \0 *0 VD O O 
00 00 00 OO 00 00 



to 



Ph 



M 



K 



Oh vjO 



W -5 
k O 
«i —i 



Q Q 



oooooooooooo 



Q 



o o 



o 


£ 




6 


*C) 


c 


(U 


-^ 






1-. 




0) 


^ 


/, 


c 







rrt 




u. 




H 





« Ph 



O 

c 
o 



£ e 



w " X rt 



Ph Ph P-t Oh 






£ j 



<0 0/ 



a 51 <u "? 



f* 


x 


u 


< 






jj 


^J 


J *- 




u 






— 














: < 


< 


<; 


< 



Ph Ph Qh CL, Ph Cl, 



~ t- 3 



to 



^— c '-' <u »-^ 



W fQ ffl fq pq 



> 



H w >• K 



°rt K 






Ph Ph 



< ? 



•S « •£ 



r -j 



.s p* 



<n J K ^? 



Ph 



O 



348 



HISTORY' OF THE I53D REGT. 



> 



00 * a 





rt 


J 




> 


V; 




-- 


1-1 




^ 


- 










d 




u 






rt 






P. 


y. 


n 


V 






« 


2 


•— » 



to t! 



o c c : 



- 



o r= 



to 

bo 

1'° 

"3 



£ Q 



r. 


<2 
OO 


rt 
















T3 


f=H 






<v 




bu 


>> 


"O 


"T 




el 






tn 


55 





Q 



bfl . 

£ -a 

w S 

e Q 



S?8 



: «j Q 

rt to . 

^- £?£ 

a .a — ' 

•S >. M 

>> S i; 

ji u <, 

u CJ - 

O ^ 5 

-m rt to 

•a "S "S 

<u — 

1- 5 ^ 

O !> 



5 Q 

-a 



w « r- m Ov O m 00 001- m P) 0000O 00 <~0 

U J Tf M 01 01 m f-<0) N CN m p) 0) m pi 

JL m? 

- < i 

<u c 

»E3 pi m n n m p> m m pi n p» pi pi p> pi 

Ji 00 00000000 0000 00 00 00 M 00 CO CO 00 

M -s ~ " ". ~ M . " "* " M 

- °i h m" m m m m m" O m m m m m m* m 

g «« « hh M M M MM S M M M M M MM 

^ q' *j *J *i +j +J +J-J .4-j.4J.1J *:*-•*: *j*j 

11 go OWOU CJU O'JU (JCJO 00 

£ O OOOO OO OOO OOO OO 
o 

Ml 



«to 



4J <U <U 4J 

rt rt rt rt 



M M M M 



Q J 



"3b x" 

c o 

to to 



to to 



psj 



rt rt rt 



Ph to to 



to to to 





>> 




^ 




u 






1 — > 
u 


"rt 


: 

u 

OS 

1— > 


s 


= 





Uc 


•a 


in 


•a 


u 





CD 
















O 


c 


O 


O 



to to 



> to 

rt "H. 

o o 

to- re 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



349 



o 



J 



« ^ 



3 > 



Oh -5 



«5 ° ° 
Ph *j *J 



^2 O 


<u 


bfl 


•a 










"2 ca 




3 M 


- 




> 


I— 1 


> 



> o 



r 


— 




i) 




~ 


be 


in 


O 




CQ 


re 


co 


re 




— 


o 

7] 

■3 


CO 

u 


L- 


rt 

O 

Q 


d 


c 


1— > 


<+* 






n 


o 


o 


.-' 


— 




rt 


vi 


V 


3 


_y 


o 


en 
O 





5 u « rS 



■c 00 <*h 
3 S i-i f' 



V P-I 



5 3 g *a *o 



J-« 



POP 



> 



o 2 



o 


— 




33 


a 




u 


X') 
















re 


re 












o 










~ 


< 


cd 






P 


i 


-) 




^ 


y. 








VT 


c 


m" 


OC 


> 







C5 



•3 < 



<u 2 u 

^ o 

o 

►4 



O O 



o c c o 



c o 



M Ch 



o 



Dh Cm 



a o 
S O 
o 

►— » p 

re- 



- 



PS 



Ph 



Ch 



1 




C 




re 


*0J 

E 

re 
t/3 



< ^ 



W W J 



■5 o 



350 



HISTORY OF THE I J3D REGT. 



>> .a 

3 S 



ro "J 



►h~ "* 

"3 * H 



►^Ph 



oj be 

fa £ 



* J rn <*5 

C 00 00 
O hh w 






00 & 



"3 






PL, "43 

be ^ 

3 o 

-a O 



G -a 



Q 2 






c£ Ph 

r be 

fa £ 

c >> 

I « 

I ° 

<u *-> 
< 



<U 



bO^ 

HO & 



* "S -a 
Q £ Q 



<u 


<L> 












U 






«! 


rt 


•fl 


fa 


OJ 




-a 


rt 






3 


T3 



£5 



o 



o 



.2 ^ 






C bo 



Ph no 

. ON 

do oo 



C ? >» Ph 



O 



o g, 

rt fa 

-s pa 



2 "O 



3 "O 

o ■" 

^ s 



Ph § 



3 Pi 

c/) 

>> u" 

a o 

<u bo 
? o Q 



.g 

4-j ° z 

in Q 5 
o 

.-J 



N O) O) 0) (N OJ 



o o o o o o 



N N N N 



0) 0) 

NO vo 
GO 00 



O O C O O O O 



Cm 

o 
u 



« Ph 



tf 



cd rt c3 rt ctf 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



o 
o 


E 


re 


fa 


ffi 


X 


rt 


w 


_ 




.„ 


<u 








02 




JS 


• — 


u 





O 




H 




-I 


« 


h-l 










►— , 






rt 


Cfl 


5 

•0 




u 

C/l 


s 


ip-i 


<-< 


tf 


Cri 


PJ 



fa 



ci o3 rt rt rt rt 



Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph 



M 



pq 



c 



M 



^ o 



o S 



— r- ^-^ ^ »£i «~ 
fa C/l C/J C/i C/l C/l 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND MEN 



351 



C3 - 



v. 3 



o u 



"3 o 



S Ph 



, I 


CTJ 


u 


00 


00 


M 


c 




_, 


£2 




00 


ro 


e»3 


1 


"1 


a 










"v 


<! 


a 










■g 






01 


01 


01 


01 








vo 


VO 


vQ 


c 


1) 






00 


00 


00 


X 


pq 


«h 


a 


w 


1-1 


1-1 


M 
















-*-» 










I— 1 




S 




u 


M 


M 


1-1 


M 


u 


Q 


3 










OJ 




& 


CJ 


u 


O 


'_> 


JS 












O 





O 














J 















> 



.id 





«- 5 


Pi 


5 






s 


> 








J= 


ID 


j_, <_> 




cC "" 


!> 


4) " 




be i< 


^ 


i- 


cti 


<V +■' 




'SI " 






ns n 


_ -e 


JJ 



o d 5. 00 






be hO 



.8- c 



c 


as 




Ph 


-3 




rt 


•a 




*D 


3 




u 







O 


£ 




Ov t^ 


r> 


Ol 


"I 01 


HH 


01 



u ^_ 



O 



01 01 O) 01 01 



00000 o 






vo 




bo 

c 


00 


O 


w 
3Q 


-' 


"3 




















rt 


1—. 


bfl 



<£ & S 5 



si « 

O 



Ph 



CJ 



*i 00 



O O 



o 





c .:- ■— 

c3 i- ;- 

« PL, (1, 



P< Ph 



ffi 



O g 


E 

GO 




1 




j£ 


1) 
g 


ca 


"O ■" 








«•*■» qj 


'p 


g 


u 










in w 


CO 


CO 


co 






Ph Ph PL, Pl, Ph Ph 



C5 re u ^ 



— 3 <U 

Ih 

o 



c 


Ed 


e 












d 


~ 


1— > 


O 




> 




LU 




-— 


en 




t/5 

cd 


u" 


4> 




O 


41 

E 


u 




4< 










H 


H 


> 


-— 



Oh Pm 



2 p* 



> - 



352 HISTORY OF THE I53D RF.GT. 

The Editor's Farewell to His Comrades of the 153d Regiment. 

My Comrades : 

"You had such weaknesses as connect you with humanity; 
and such virtues as will rank you among heroes." 

How appropriate that, we, who are spared should bear our 
deceased comrades to their graves. 

The early morning reveille reminded you that it was time to 
rise ; it sounded at break of day to inform the sentinels to cease 
challenging. Now began the work of the day, the trained step 
of battalion drill ; the sun-set dress parade ; the inspiring music 
of band and drum corps has passed away ; the war is over ; the 
gates of Janus are closed, and the arch of triumph spans the 
roadway and the army has passed into the temple of Peace. 
"Liberty has conquered slavery, and peace war." 

May we long sit in the shade of the trees we planted, and 
enjoy the fruits of our toil. May the shadows of the evening 
of our lives be filled with music, and the "Taps" of our last 
evening call us to the repose so nobly earned, and at the re- 
veille of the resurrection morning hear the command of the 
Captain of our salvation saying: "Come ye blessed of my 
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you." 

So long as the glorious Flag under which we fought waves 
over our reunited country will each recurring spring see fresh 
laurels laid on the graves of our country's dead. 

Safe in thy hiding silent tomb 

Keep to " That Day " thy precious trust 

And on the Resurrection Morn 
Yield to new Life thy sacred dust. 

—The Author. 



IBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 709 387 A • 



